Several support programs including various forms of financial assistance are available to help you break into export markets. Explore these incentives offered by state and federal governments before venturing offshore.
On this page:
Gateway business programExport market development grantCustoms duty drawbackCustoms - TradexExport Finance and Insurance CorporationExport finance naviagatorTradestartWomen in global business
Gateway business program
The Gateway Business Program is a South Australian Government initiative that assists small to medium-sized businesses prepare for export.
The program can meet eligible expenses incurred in developing international markets.
Successful applicants may receive up to $20,000 over two years for eligible projects. Individual project caps range between $2,000 and $10,000.
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Export market development grant
Austrade's
export market development grant (EMDG) scheme reimburses exporters for up to 50% of expenses incurred for export promotions. The scheme supports a wide range of industry sectors, including inbound tourism and the export of intellectual property.
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Customs duty drawback
Exporters can claim a refund on Customs duty paid on imported goods that are sold back overseas or used in products destined for export. The
duty drawback refund must be claimed within four years of the goods being exported.
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Customs - Tradex
An alternative to duty drawback,
Tradex exempts companies from paying Customs duty or GST on imports if the plan is to export the goods later or as part of another product.
The Tradex scheme allows an importer to gain an up-front exemption from Customs duty and GST on eligible imported goods that are intended for export. The goods may be:
- exported in the same condition as imported
- subjected to a process or treatment after importation, then exported, or
- incorporated in other goods which are exported.
Export may be carried out by the importer or a third party.
Tradex provides an alternative to the Customs drawback scheme, which requires an up-front payment of Customs duty and GST and then the subsequent recovery of these taxes when the goods have been exported. The Tradex scheme can therefore provide a significant cashflow benefit.
The goods must be exported within 12 months' of importation, although approval can be sought to extend this period.
Customers are required to complete an application form for entrance into the scheme.
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Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) provides finance and insurance solutions to help Australian exporters overcome financial barriers when growing their business overseas. As the Australian Government’s export credit agency, EFIC helps successful businesses to win, finance and protect export trade or overseas investments where their bank is unable to provide all the support they need.
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Export finance navigator
Export Finance Navigatoris an online tool to help Australian SMEs that are exporting or investing offshore to understand the export finance options available to them. The Navigator tool sources a wide range of information about:
- financial alternatives in the commercial market for current and potential exporters
- forms of government assistance, such as grants and tax concessions available to them.
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TradeStart
Exporters in South Australia can obtain valuable support through
TradeStart - an assistance program co-funded by Austrade and the South Australian Government.
TradeStart provides a suite of services for new exporters from the initial enquiry stage to market development. They include:
- personal mentoring
- intensive workshops
- export opportunities
- in-market assistance.
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Women in Global Business
More than one-third of small-to-medium enterprises are run by women, but less than one in 10 of them export. Austrade's
Women in Global Business program provides a range of services and resources to help women-owned businesses venture into offshore markets.
More information
On this siteGetting startedOnline help with exportingOverseas market informationTrade shows and trade missionsInternational trade agreementsExport and trade organisationsOverseas contactsExport and trade organisations
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