The rules for future rounds of EMDG have now been released.  These will come into effect for round 4 applicants and apply to grants for expenses incurred in the 2025/26 expense year.  Austrade has indicated that grants for this period will open in late 2024 or early 2025.

A summary of some of the major changes to the rules are as follows:

1. To apply you must have been in business for 2 years and have an annual turnover of at least $100,000.
2. Grants will be issued on a first-in basis – once the budget for that round of funding has been exhausted no further grants will be offered.
3. For first-time applicants, there will be a greater focus on export readiness.
4. Tightening of conditions where the goods being promoted are not made in Australia.
5. Grant agreements will be for a maximum of two years.
6. The three tier system will remain and there are no significant changes to the definitions of these tiers.
7. Maximum grants for each of the 3 tiers will be announced before the round opens.
8. The CEO of Austrade will be given broader powers.  For example, the CEO may priorities grants for promotion in certain geographical markets to align with federal trade policy.