With an increasing number of Australian businesses building global customer bases using digital marketing, now’s the time to get a healthy cash boost for it.
We may not be able to travel overseas right now, but our incredible Aussie goods and services sure can.
If you’re marketing your small business to the world, there’s good news. The Federal Government is encouraging local exporting businesses to make their mark on the globe with a new version of their Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme.
That means money on the table for homegrown businesses looking to get a leg-up on their path to global success.
Just how much money are we talking about?
From the 2021/22 financial year onwards, the new EMDG scheme will give eligible businesses upfront grant approvals (the previous scheme involved applying for a rebate after the fact).
The new EMDG scheme offers grants of up to 50 per cent of your business’ planned international marketing spend over the next two or three years.
Depending on which tier you qualify for, and demand for the scheme, you could receive anywhere between $40,000 and $150,000 per annum to support your overseas marketing.
The three tiers are:
- Grants up to $80,000 over two years, for eligible businesses who are new to exporting.
- Grants of up to $240,000 over three years, for eligible exporters who plan to expand their marketing activities further.
- Grants of up to $450,000 over three years, for exporters making a strategic shift.
These grants are paid out when milestones are achieved.
What counts as ‘marketing expenses’?
We’re so glad you asked.
The term is nice and broad, so you can claim any of the following:
- All online advertising including social media and influencer marketing (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Google, Amazon, your own website, videos and more). Hot tip: Using geographic targeting and keeping a close eye on your statistics can help you get a higher claim.
- Overseas representatives for your brand
- Marketing consultants and PR agencies based either here or overseas
- Intellectual property and trademarks
- Trade fairs and marketing events
- Free samples
- Overseas travel
- Overseas buyers
- Training
Can any business apply?
Businesses with an annual turnover of less than A$20 million are eligible. And yes, it goes without saying, you need an ABN and should either be exporting or wanting to export.
You can be seeking to sell or licence products made or designed on our shores (even if they’re manufactured overseas); licensing intellectual property and knowledge; providing most kinds of services; or promoting inbound tourism, conferences and education.
The Federal Government has allotted a pool of funds of up to $157.9 million per annum for the scheme. So if you act fast, smart and fit the criteria, it’s basically your birthday.
What does it take to secure a grant?
You don’t have to waste hours and hours struggling with an online form. For more than 25 years, Export Solutions has helped Australian businesses access cash rebates through the EMDG program and maximise their entitlements.
As Australia’s leading team of national grants advisors, Export Solutions’ team work with exporters across most industries to provide strategic advice on how to get the best result from the grant scheme.
Just ask Katie and Andy Mant from multimillion-dollar Perth business BLUbox, who sell high-quality blue light-blocking glasses to an international customer base. Export Solutions helped BLUbox secure a grant for their social and digital marketing activities.
“The whole process could not be simpler. They understood our business, products and market from day one and have made the whole process of applying for the grant seamless,” says Andy.
Export Solutions work on a success fee, with no hourly rates and no charges for advice. All you have to do is book a 10-minute consultation call and see if you’re eligible, and if so, they’ll help you get your documentation in order and hold your hand every step of the way.
Applications for the 2021/22 EMDG Grants open August 16 and close November 30, 2021. Pre-approvals will be announced from February to March 2022.
For more information, download an EMDG fact sheet or book a free consultation with Export Solutions to get your application going.
This article is brought to you by Kochie’s Business Builders in partnership with Export Solutions.
Feature image: Adobe Stock
Trending
Weekly business news and insights, delivered to your inbox.