Government assisstance for exporters

Submitted 1/12/2010

www.southaustralia.biz

 

The South Australian Government is encouraging small to medium sized businesses to take advantage of $1 million in export assistance grants.

The Gateway Business Program offers eligible firms up to 50 per cent off export-related expenditure, with a maximum grant of $20,000 over two years.

Minister for Industry and Trade Tom Koutsantonis says it will help South Australian enterprises to develop overseas markets and grow their businesses.

"The Gateway Business Program will enable South Australian companies to take the next step and begin exporting," Mr Koutsantonis says.

"Firms are eligible to apply if they have been in business for at least two years and turn over more than $100,000 a year.

 "A successful applicant may receive a grant of up to $20,000 over two years for eligible projects. Individual project caps range between $2,000 and $10,000.

"Currently only a small percentage of South Australian businesses export their products and the State Government wants to see this increase through the provision of market intelligence, on-ground business matching and support through a grants program."

Mr Koutsantonis says projects eligible for the Gateway Business Program include:

o Researching feasible overseas markets
o Developing marketing material for distribution overseas
o Participating in international trade shows and trade missions
o Adapting websites for specific international markets
o Undergoing export specific mentoring
o Supporting incoming buyers

"While South Australia is holding its own, exports have been hit by the Global Financial Crisis, the high dollar and a fall in grain prices - among other reasons," he says.

 "The value of our exports has increased over the past decade and it's important that local businesses continually strive to achieve their maximum exporting potential.

"We must have more South Australian businesses involved in exporting, particularly the services sector and new, developing sectors such as advanced manufacturing, defence, sustainable energy and water technologies.

"Our proximity to South East Asia and the expanding economies of China, India and Vietnam offers enormous export potential, as the burgeoning middle class in these countries create huge markets for the goods and services we produce.

"SA companies wanting to tap into these markets can utilise the Gateway Business Program and the State Government's trade offices strategically located throughout the Asia/Pacific region," Mr Koutsantonis says.

For further information visit www.southaustralia.biz/gateway