This article is part of an ongoing ‘Asia Pacific Insights Series’, co-authored by Vivi Chen, Cica Chen and Jim Xi designed to give you quick and simple tips to access new markets and elevate your business.
As Australia’s EdTech industry enters maturation phase, an increasing number of scaleups are looking overseas for expansion. With the demands for tech services in China set to skyrocket in the next three to five years, China represents a fertile opportunity.
To help EdTech businesses make the leap, we’ve rounded up the key support packages available.
Related articles in the series
China’s growing EdTech market and opportunities for Australian tech exports
Risks for Australian EdTech exports to China and how to overcome them
Federal Support – Provided by AustradeExport Market Development Grant Scheme (EMDG)
From 1 July 2021, the EMDG scheme changed from a reimbursement model to a grants scheme. This means that rather than being reimbursed for expenses incurred throughout year (with businesses sometimes waiting as long as 24 months to be reimbursed), eligible businesses will be able to apply for upfront funding. This welcome change provides greater certainty for businesses seeking to expand internationally.
Arrangements under the previous EDMG scheme will continue to apply for the 2020-21 financial year.
The New EMDG – Applicable from 1 July 2021
Eligible business may apply for three different grants over eight years (not necessarily consecutively). The grants are available to suit different stages of business as shown below:
| Tier | Suitable For | Grant details |
| Tier 1: Ready to export | First time exporters
|
Maximum 2 years and maximum $40,000 per financial year
|
| Tier 2: Expanding | Expanding your export promotion activities
|
Maximum 3 years and maximum $80,000 per financial year
|
| Tier 3: Expanding and strategic shift | Expanding your export promotion activities AND making a strategic shift, for example targeting a new market or a new type of customer
|
Maximum 3 years and maximum $150,000 per financial year
|
Reimbursements under the previous model – applicable to the 2020-21 financial year
Eligible businesses may apply for a rebate of up to 50% of expenses incurred on eligible export promotion activities in the year in which they are incurred (or, if a first-time applicant, the last two financial years.) Total expenses must be at least $15,000 and there’s a threshold of $5,000.
The Landing Pads Program
The Landing Pads Program helps Australian startups access major global innovation hubs around the world. Five Landing Pads have been established, including one in Shanghai. The program provides market-ready Australian startups and scaleups with the following:
- A residency of up to 90 days in a co-working space to help them grow their business by facilitating in-market business development.
- Introductions to customers, investors and strategic partnership opportunities.
- Mentorship from in-market entrepreneurs and local and international experts
- Access to a curated community that supports Australian entrepreneurs who want to go global via shared insights and collaboration opportunities, and assistance post residency with business advice to help them continue to grow their business
For more information visit: www.austrade.gov.au
Grants and support provided by state governments
New South Wales
- Export Assistance Grant
This grant allows eligible businesses to claim a reimbursement of 50% of eligible export expenses, up to a maximum of $10,000 for expenses incurred since January 2020. You may submit one application, or multiple applications up to the value of $10,000.
- Investment NSW provides educational resources, training workshops and expert advice on e-commerce.
Victoria
- Global Victoria offers an eCommerce program and Virtual Trade Missions to connect businesses to global networks, helping them to conduct cross border dealings using digital platforms.
Queensland
- Trade and Investment Queensland provides information and export insights for businesses going overseas.
South Australia
- Global Expansion Program
This merit-based grant designed for export ready businesses, provides successful applicants with up to $50,000 and expert advice to build export capability. Eligible businesses must have been operating for 36 months in one of the SA Government’s priority industry sectors. Applications opened Tuesday 29 June 2021.
- eCommerce Accelerator Program, provided by the Department for Trade and Investment
This grant allows eligible businesses to claim up to $10,000 to fund new capability to access international markets through eCommerce.
- Department for Trade and Investment also provides detailed guidance and free training programs.
Western Australia
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has established the sub-entity International Trade Consulting Services which provides networks, tools and compliance resources to exporting businesses.
How we can help
William Buck can help you to developing a strategy for expanding into China and support you in applying for any of the grants mentioned above.
