08/09/2025
๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐
Even the ABC NEWS recognises the absolute disaster made of the Export Market Development Grants program by successive Austrade management teams and Governments (of both political colours).
It appears that neither Austrade or any political party has anyone that understands small business or even how exporting by small business works.
Highlights from the in depth report by the ABC exposes how Australian exporters are feeling stressed and angry over the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) program.
๐น $62 million in funding was exhausted in just 84 hours under the new โfirst in, best dressedโ system.
๐น Some applicants are still waiting almost a year for outcomes, leaving businesses in limbo.
๐น Industry experts warn the system disadvantages smaller and regional businesses, creating a chaotic โdigital scrambleโ instead of fair access.
The program is limited to the smallest amount of funding since the year 2000, it is now half of the figure then and less than one third if allowing for inflation (CPI increases).
For decades, EMDG has been vital in helping SMEs promote products overseas, attend trade expos, and access new markets. But the latest changes have created uncertainty at a time when exporters are also dealing with global trade challenges.
It has shown to be a six times multiplier in exports for every dollar spent.
At Vebiz, we work with exporters to cut through the complexity. Our Grants Assistance service supports businesses through EMDG and other programs โ from application through to audit โ ensuring compliance, maximising claims, and keeping cash flow strong.
Read the full ABC News report here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-08/exporters-stressed-and-angry-about-emdg-grant/105734456
๐บ ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ ๐ก๐ข๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐ต๐ถ ๐๐๐ค๐ ๐ก๐๐๐๐โ๐ก.
Cosmetics entrepreneurs through to tech developers say Austrade's signature export grant has become unfair, badly managed and opaque, all while many are struggling to adjust to Donald Trump's US tariffs.