Updated Export Market Development Grant Rules Introduced
The Australian Government has announced significant updates to the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program rules, aimed at enhancing support for the nation's exporters. These changes, which were tabled in Parliament in March, promise to increase the grant sizes available to Australian businesses, enabling more substantial financial backing for their export market activities. The amendments are designed to encourage exporters to diversify their trade and improve accessibility to the grants by refining eligibility criteria.
Another significant change is that the EMDG program will now be run on a first-come, first-served basis, bringing it in line with other government programs.
In response to feedback from extensive business and industry consultations, the updated EMDG rules will also introduce a more streamlined process for grant disbursement. For the first time, Austrade will be able to provide partial grant payments shortly after application assessment, significantly benefiting exporters by alleviating upfront financial pressures. These changes are set to take effect from the next grant round, slated to open late 2024 or early 2025.
Further details will be made available in the EMDG grant round guidelines, which will be made available closer to the application period.
Edit: As at July 10th 2024, Austrade’s EMDG advice is as follows
There are no grant rounds currently open for applications. The EMDG information on the Austrade website applies to Rounds 1, 2 and 3. It will not apply to Round 4. Amended rules are expected to apply to Round 4 of EMDG. Austrade will communicate all changes when the program details, including guidelines, are finalised and released. Round 4 is likely to open in late 2024 or early 2025.
For more details see here