The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) is an Australian Government program administered by Austrade. It provides matched funding to eligible Australian businesses and representative bodies to help them grow in international markets.
Under the current 2025/26–2026/27 funding model, EMDG is no longer a simple reimbursement scheme. Instead, it provides structured, tier-based funding to support planned export marketing activities.
If you’re considering applying, here’s exactly who qualifies.
EMDG Eligibility 2025/26 – Quick Summary
To qualify for EMDG funding, you generally must:
- Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Have operated under the same ABN for at least 2 years
- Have annual turnover under $20 million
- Be able to spend at least $20,000 of your own funds per year on export marketing
- Fit into Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 eligibility criteria
- Be compliant with Australian tax and legal requirements
- Submit a compliant export marketing plan
Understanding the EMDG Tier System
The program is structured into four funding streams:
- Tier 1 – Ready to Export
- Tier 2 – Exporting Within Existing Markets
- Tier 3 – Expanding to New Key Markets
- Representative Bodies
Each tier targets businesses at a different stage of export growth.
Tier 1: Ready to Export
Tier 1 supports businesses that are preparing to enter international markets but may not yet have established export sales.
Typical Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum annual turnover (often $100,000+ depending on guidelines)
- Demonstrated export readiness (training, preparation, capability)
- Ability to spend $20,000+ per year on export marketing
- Structured export marketing plan
Grant Range:
$20,000 – $30,000 per financial year
This tier is ideal for SMEs preparing for their first overseas market entry.
Tier 2: Exporting in Existing Markets
Tier 2 is designed for businesses already exporting and seeking to grow their presence in markets where they already operate.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Evidence of existing export sales
- Turnover typically $500,000+ but under $20 million
- Detailed marketing plan focused on scaling existing markets
- Minimum $20,000 annual co-investment capacity
Grant Range:
$20,000 – $50,000 per financial year
Tier 3: Expanding into New Key Markets
Tier 3 supports experienced exporters aiming to diversify into new international markets.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Proven export history
- Turnover typically $1 million+ but under $20 million
- Strategic expansion plan targeting new key markets
- Minimum $20,000 co-investment commitment
Grant Range:
$20,000 – $80,000 per financial year
This is the highest funding tier available for individual businesses.
Representative Bodies Eligibility
Industry associations and export-focused organisations can also apply if they:
- Support SME exporters
- Deliver export training or market development programs
- Meet compliance requirements
- Demonstrate industry-wide export benefits
Funding for representative bodies can reach up to $50,000 per year.
What Activities Are Eligible?
Eligible export marketing activities may include:
- Overseas trade shows and exhibitions
- Digital marketing targeting international markets
- Overseas representation
- Market research and consultancy services
- Promotional materials
- Foreign buyer visits
- Export-related training
- Intellectual property promotion tied to export markets
Note: All activities must align with your approved export marketing plan.
What Makes a Business Ineligible?
You may not qualify if:
- Your turnover exceeds $20 million
- You cannot commit $20,000 per year of your own funds
- You lack export readiness or evidence of export activity (where required)
- Your ABN does not meet minimum operational requirements
- You fail compliance or documentation checks
How Long Can You Receive EMDG Funding?
Eligible businesses can receive EMDG support for up to eight financial years in total (not necessarily consecutive), subject to ongoing eligibility and funding availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDG a reimbursement grant?
No. The current model is matched funding for planned activities, not retrospective reimbursement.
Can sole traders apply?
Yes — provided they meet ABN, turnover, and co-investment requirements.
What is the minimum spend requirement?
You must be able to spend at least $20,000 of your own funds per year on eligible export marketing activities.
Do I need an export marketing plan?
Yes. A compliant and strategic export marketing plan is mandatory.
Can startups apply?
Early-stage businesses may qualify under Tier 1 if they meet readiness and turnover criteria.
Final Thoughts
The EMDG program is a powerful funding opportunity for Australian SMEs seeking international growth. However, eligibility is structured, competitive, and compliance-driven.
Understanding which tier applies to your business — and preparing a strong, aligned export marketing plan — significantly increases your chances of approval.
Need Expert Guidance on Your EMDG Application?
Navigating tier requirements, turnover thresholds, marketing plan compliance, and matched funding obligations can be complex.
If you’re unsure which tier suits your business or want professional support preparing a compliant application, the team at Infinity22 can help.
From eligibility assessment to full application preparation and strategic export planning, Infinity22 provides end-to-end advisory support tailored to Australian exporters.
👉 Speak with an EMDG specialist today
Expand globally with confidence — backed by expert guidance.
