EMDG is a rebate program rather than a grant (despite the name). It works over financial years and at the end of the financial year you can lodge an EMDG application for expenses paid in that previous year. There is no requirement to register for EMDG prior to incurring expenses.

This is not something we can answer in a quick paragraph or by getting you to answer a list of set questions because every business is different. EMDG does apply to most industries, so if you are promoting anything at all overseas then it is definitely worth finding out. The quickest way to do this is to give us a call or arrange for us to call you at a convenient time. There is no obligation or cost involved – we are happy to provide up front advice so that businesses can proceed with confidence, and know what documents to keep.

Grants are generally assessed by Austrade on a “first in” basis so it depends on when your application is lodged. If you lodge your application in July then funds are usually received within 6 weeks. If the application is lodged in November it can be as late as May/June the following year before your claim is assessed and paid.

No. The amount you get back is 50% of eligible marketing expenses over the first $5,000 with the maximum grant being $150,000 (subject to availability of funds) in any one application.

EMDG is paid out of a fixed funding pool. In some years there has not been enough money to pay applications in full, so the government uses a split payment system. Currently this system guarantees that grants of less than $40,000 (the initial payment ceiling) will be paid in full. Grant amounts in excess of this figure will be scaled back so that the EMDG scheme is kept within the allocated budget.

EMDG applications open on 1st of July each year.

Yes, the standard EMDG deadline is 30 November, but why wait till then…it will only delay the time it takes to get your cash rebate. An extended late lodgement is possible but comes with conditions…but again…why wait….the best time to lodge is as soon as you can after 1 July each year.

The money provided through the EMDG program is a rebate not a loan. It does not need to be repaid to the Government.

Expenses you have paid across 8 categories of marketing activities, to the extent they were for promotion to overseas buyers:

• Social media, website, advertising, videos endorsements and more
• Travel to overseas markets (airfares and an allowance)
• Trade Fairs
• Marketing consultants
• Overseas Representatives
• Free samples
• Overseas buyers travel
• Patents and trade marks

Click here to read more on these.

Yes, some categories are “capped” – click here for more detail.

This is often the case – so we apportion the costs on a fair and reasonable basis. The basis and calculations can have a significant effect on your grant amount, so it is worth talking this through at an early stage so you can keep the key information to support and maximise your claim.

Yes, you must have spent $15,000 in total on eligible expenses in the previous financial year, unless it is your first claim in which case you can combine 2 years of spend to meet that minimum $15,000.

Talk to us – you might be surprised how much you have spent – for example the OVA (Overseas Visit allowance ) which applies to travel might add up to more than you think.

You may still be eligible for EMDG. The scheme recognises that Australian businesses may have their goods manufactured overseas. There is provision for a submission to the government showing the significant economic benefit Australia receives through your Australian designed goods, through revenue employment, tax paid and more.

No, EMDG is a rebate program – you need to spend the money first, then, at the end of the financial year, lodge the rebate application. However it is a very good idea to get advice early – even before you start spending – so you know what records to keep and determine that you will be eligible.

1) Determine if you are eligible

2) If Yes then identify which expenses are eligible – if you use MYOB cloud or Xero and provide us guest access it is often a big help.

3) We will advise what supporting documents are required for the expenses identified.

4) Your job is to get us those supporting documents.

5) ES prepare the claim and get back to you with any queries or requests for further documents

6) Once we are both happy with the application it gets lodged electronically, much like a tax return.

7) Then we wait for the government to undertake its assessment which is generally a site or phone audit. ES will be your representative through this process.

8) Once the assessment is complete (normally about two weeks after the audit) the government issues an official Notice of Determination.

All of our EMDG team have worked with EMDG for between 4 and 22 years, and have strong financial and business backgrounds, including in many cases qualifications in accounting, international business or a range of other studies from agriculture to foreign languages.

We share our EMDG knowledge amongst the team, we have strong technical knowledge, lots of experience on all aspects of the program, including the legislation and enforceable guidelines, and we have a very high success record.

We are not afraid to argue your case, and Appeal to a Review if necessary.

EMDG is what we do, and have done for many years.

Export Solutions work on a success fee basis – No Win – No fee. There is no initial consultation fee and no obligation – you can call us and be confident you will receive professional advice without being charged a fee.

We work nationally and our advisors are based in NSW, Victoria, WA and ACT. We travel to other cities and regions, and are equally happy to consult by phone, video and email – we have been doing so for years.

If you have spent money on international marketing in the past 2 years it is not too late – and you have another potential 8 grants for future years.

We hear this several times a year – sometimes it is true as not all business models fit the EMDG scheme. But often it is just that they didn’t get the right advice, or, didn’t get asked the right questions. Give us a call – 10 minutes is all it might take to determine whether you are eligible.

Possibly. Bands that are going on tours that make very little money are sometimes eligible for EMDG.

Yes, normally online businesses advertise using Google Ads, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, website, bloggers, influencers etc and all of these are eligible expenses.

Yes, we can help find out if you have any prior EMDG grants history. If your business has had less than 8 claims then you may be eligible for more.

Generally no, you would not be eligible as you are providing services to an Australian business rather than exporting your own goods or services. The businesses you work for may be able to claim your fees in their own EMDG applications so you should make them aware of this.

For the future (from July 2021 onwards) it has been announced that the program will change, bringing forward the application process, and approving funding before you spend. Read more about the proposed EMDG changes.