Export Marketing Development Grant

Secure Your EMDG Funding

Expanding your business into international markets is a massive growth milestone—but funding global marketing campaigns, overseas trade shows, and international IP protection requires significant capital. The Australian Government’s Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) is designed to help you absorb those costs, providing up to 50% matched funding for your promotional expenses.

However, Austrade has introduced a highly competitive, “first-come, first-served” system. The days of guaranteed funding splits are gone. If your application isn’t completely audit-proof and submitted the moment the round opens, your business risks missing out entirely.

Understanding the EMDG Program

To unlock your global potential, we strategically align your marketing spend across the core expense categories approved under the EMDG framework.

  • International Digital Marketing:
    Claim costs for targeted overseas social media campaigns, international SEO, and digital advertising designed to acquire global customers.

  • Trade Shows & Exhibitions:
    Reimburse travel, accommodation, booth fees, and promotional materials required to showcase your business on the global stage.

  • Overseas Marketing Consultants
    Leverage local expertise by claiming expenses for international marketing agencies or consultants hired to launch your brand abroad.

  • IP Protection & Regulatory Approvals:
    Secure your innovations globally by offseting the costly legal expenses associated with international trademarking, patenting, and foreign regulatory compliance.

If eligible, businesses can claim a percentage of their qualifying R&D expenditure through their company tax return.

How funding for EMDG works

The program is strictly capped, and funding is allocated in the exact order that applications are received. Timeliness and precision are mandatory.

Total Program Pool

$110 Million allocated annually

Maximum Grant Cap

Up to $80,000 per financial year (dependent on Tier)

Funding Structure
50/50 Matched Funding (You must match the grant amount)

Allocation Model
First-come, first-served. Once the cap is hit, the round closes immediately.

What Determines Whether You Receive a Refund or Tax Credit?

The Operational Baseline

Your business must operate under the same active ABN for a minimum of 2 consecutive years and have a total turnover under $20 million.

Tier 2 (Exporting Within Existing Markets)

For established exporters expanding within current international demographics. Requires a minimum annual turnover of $500,000. (Grants up to $50,000/yr).

Tier 3 (Expanding to New Key Markets)

For strategic exporters targeting priority international markets (such as the US, UK, Europe, or Southeast Asia). Requires a minimum annual turnover of $1,000,000. (Grants up to $80,000/yr).

Frequently Asked EMDG Questions

No. Austrade transitioned the EMDG to an upfront, “first-come, first-served” application model. Because funding is capped, applications are processed in the strict chronological order they are submitted. Once the pool is exhausted, the gate closes—making early preparation and flawless execution vital.

To qualify for an EMDG grant agreement, your business must plan to spend a minimum of $20,000 of your own money on eligible overseas marketing and promotional activities per financial year.

If your application contains inaccurate financial data, misclassified expenses, or fails to prove an eligible “Australian origin” product, Austrade will reject the submission outright. At Growth Grants, we conduct thorough pre-submission audits on your documentation to ensure every claim is completely bulletproof.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive remains one of the country’s most valuable innovation support programs. Whether through a cash refund or a tax credit, the incentive is designed to fuel cash flow, support investment, and drive long-term growth.

If your company is developing new technology, improving products, or solving complex technical challenges, it is worth reviewing your activities to ensure you are capturing the full benefits available to you.