Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) Download: January 2025
‘First-Come, First Served’
Following significant changes to the EMDG program for Round 4, including a shift to a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis for funding applications and money allocation, AusTrade opened the EMDG application portal on the 12th November 2024.
Prior to opening, AusTrade released communications and guidance documentation detailing the raft of changes, including the anticipated number of successful Round 4 grants based on the total funding allotted to the program and the maximum amount each applicant can be allocated per tier.
As total application numbers for previous EMDG rounds outweighed this anticipated number, competition for application submissions under the new system was anticipated to be very high and Intellect Labs advised clients and prospective applicants to be grant ready and application ready on the day.
Outcomes
Demand for the program proved to be significant; with Tier 2 funding allocation exhausted only hours after applications opened with over a thousand applications. Tiers 1 and 3 remained open beyond the first day, but with up to 90% of funding allocated. On 20 December 2024, AusTrade closed all tiers and the Round 4 application portal, bringing the application process to a close.
Next Steps
AusTrade has provided an update that submitted Round 4 applications are being assessed currently, with notifications of grant outcomes starting at the end of January 2025. A few items to note for those awaiting their application outcome and prospective grant agreement;
Applications will be assessed in order of application receipt – ‘first come first served’
Due to funding limits, grant agreements may be offered for a single year, despite a 2 year application
Despite a successful application submission, applicants may still find that their tier’s funding is allocated before they are awarded funding
Grant agreements will be issued via the EMDG portal used for application, with a 21 day window to accept the grant
The EMDG portal will also provide a description of the current application status
Reasons for unsuccessful bids will be articulated to applicants
The unique nature of the Round 4 application process continues to provide some uncertainty through the assessment process, despite successful applications. However, outcomes of Round 4 should be known to all applicants shortly.
If you have any queries about the EMDG program, or your specific application outcomes, please get in touch with Intellect Labs’ EMDG experts.