Breaking into international markets can feel overwhelming for small and medium-sized businesses. The costs of marketing, travel, trade shows, and establishing overseas representatives add up quickly. This is where the Export Market Development Grant comes in—a powerful tool that can transform your export ambitions into reality.
What Is the Export Market Development Grant?
The Export Market Development Grant is Australia’s flagship government program designed to help SMEs expand their reach into foreign markets. Administered by Austrade, this program has been supporting Australian businesses since 1974, helping over 51,000 companies promote their products and services across 180+ countries.
The Export Market Development Grant provides matched funding, meaning the government reimburses up to 50% of your eligible export marketing expenses. With the recent improvements under the current government, businesses can now access significantly larger grants ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 per financial year, depending on which tier they qualify for.
How Does Market Development Assistance Work?
Market development assistance through the Export Market Development Grant operates on a straightforward principle: you invest in promoting your business internationally, and the government helps cover half the cost. This support is available for two financial years under each grant agreement, covering 2025-26 and 2026-27.
To qualify for the Export Market Development Grant, your business must demonstrate it can spend at least $20,000 annually on eligible marketing activities. The program then matches your investment dollar-for-dollar, up to the maximum amount for your tier. This means if you’re in Tier 3 and spend $160,000 on eligible expenses over two years, you could receive up to $80,000 annually in grant support.
Understanding the Different Tiers
The Export Market Development Grant offers three tiers for SMEs, each designed for businesses at different stages of their export journey:
Tier 1 is for businesses ready to export but not yet actively exporting. These businesses need a minimum annual turnover of $100,000 and can receive between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. This tier requires completion of Austrade’s Export Readiness Test.
Tier 2 targets businesses already exporting within existing markets and want to expand their promotional activities. With a minimum turnover requirement of $500,000, these businesses can access $20,000 to $50,000 annually.
Tier 3 is designed for businesses pursuing new key markets identified by Austrade. These businesses need a minimum turnover of $1 million and can receive the highest grants of $20,000 to $80,000 per year.
There’s also a category for representative bodies that support SME members in achieving export success, with grants up to $50,000 annually.
What Expenses Can You Claim?
The Export Market Development Grant covers a comprehensive range of marketing and promotional activities. You can claim expenses for maintaining overseas representatives who conduct market research and promotional activities on your behalf. This includes their salary, office rental, relocation costs, and even education expenses for their children if they’ve relocated.
Marketing visits are fully supported, covering up to 21 days of continuous travel between Australia and foreign countries. This includes airfares, accommodation, ground transport, and meals for you or your representatives to attend trade shows, meet potential buyers, or conduct promotional activities.
The program also covers free samples sent to potential overseas buyers, including both the product cost and shipping expenses. Your investment in promotional materials—from brochures and digital advertising to website development and social media marketing—qualifies for reimbursement through the Export Market Development Grant.
Intellectual property registration in foreign markets is another eligible expense, covering payments to patent and trademark attorneys and government registration offices. Even bringing prospective foreign buyers to Australia for up to 21 days to examine your products can be claimed.
Recent Improvements to the Program
The Australian Government has significantly enhanced the Export Market Development Grant program based on extensive business consultation. The average grant value has more than doubled compared to previous years, now averaging $53,000—a substantial increase that makes a real impact possible.
Applications are now assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, with grant amounts disclosed upfront. This transparency allows businesses to plan their export strategies with confidence, knowing exactly how much support they can receive. Over $104.5 million is available annually in 2025-26 and 2026-27, supporting approximately 1,900 businesses across all tiers.
Combining Support with Research Development Grants Australia
Smart businesses often leverage multiple funding sources to maximise their growth potential. While the Export Market Development Grant focuses on marketing and promotion, Research Development Grants Australia support innovation and product development. The Research and Development Tax Incentive, for instance, can provide up to 43.5% in cash rebates for businesses creating new products, processes, or technologies.
This combination is particularly powerful for tech companies, manufacturers, and innovative service providers. You can use Research Development Grants Australia to fund product development and innovation, while simultaneously using the Export Market Development Grant to promote these new offerings in international markets.
The Application Process
Applying for the Export Market Development Grant requires preparation and planning. You’ll need to develop a comprehensive plan to market that outlines your export strategy for the next two to three years. This plan must be specific to your business—generic templates won’t suffice.
Your plan should detail which markets you’re targeting, why these markets make sense for your business, what promotional activities you’ll undertake, and how you’ll measure success. The plan demonstrates to Austrade that you have a genuine, well-thought-out strategy for export growth.
You’ll also need your Australian Business Number, ANZSIC code, evidence of your turnover, and confirmation of tax compliance. Tier 1 applicants must complete the free export readiness test available through Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit.
Making the Most of Market Development Assistance
To maximise your Export Market Development Grant, start planning early. The program operates on a demand-driven basis, meaning funding is allocated in order of application receipt. Once a tier’s allocation is exhausted, that round closes, so being prepared when applications open gives you the best chance of success.
Keep meticulous records of all export-related expenses throughout your grant period. You’ll need to provide detailed evidence of expenditure when submitting milestone reports. Remember that the GST component of expenses cannot be claimed, and grants received are considered assessable income for tax purposes.
Focus your efforts on activities that deliver measurable results. The program requires you to demonstrate how your promotional activities have contributed to export success, so track leads generated, meetings conducted, and sales achieved.
Ready to Take Your Business Global?
Navigating the Export Market Development Grant application process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Infinity, we specialise in securing funding for your projects with expert grant assistance. Our team understands the intricacies of the EMDG program and can help you maximise your chances of success.
From assessing your eligibility and developing a compelling plan to market, to managing applications and ensuring compliance—we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Why leave money on the table when expert support is within reach?
Contact Infinity today and let us help you unlock the funding your business needs to conquer international markets. Your global expansion starts here.
