Trade and export assistance

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The Local Economic Plan supports the notion of exporting goods and services outside of the region – including international trade, in order to grow the economy. There are a range of federal and state government programs that provide advice and assistance to business looking to expand their reach.

Austrade

Austrade has launched export.business.gov.au, a fully integrated digital service to help Australian businesses grow overseas. Austrade provides data-driven export information, tools and insights to help new exporters and advice about preparing for global growth. It provides more than 3,500 export market profiles allowing businesses to find, compare and choose markets based on their industry and goods.

Trade and Investment Queensland 

Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ)  is the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency, with representation in 15 markets across the world who can help you find and take advantage of export opportunities.  There is a Sunshine Coast based TIQ office with experienced trade advisors linked to international network:

TIQ Office Sunshine Coast 
Level 2, 100 Sportsman Pde
Bokarina 4575
W: www.tiq.qld.gov.au

Ross Tilly 
Principal Trade & Investment Officer 
T: 07 5413 7501 M: 0403 580 016
E: ross.tilly@tiq.qld.gov.au

  • The TradeStart Program provides a network of experienced trade advisors located all over Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast, that are linked to Austrade and Trade and Investment Queensland's international trade networks.  

    These advisors are trade professionals and support small and medium regional businesses approach the global marketplace. They provide existing and new exporters with:

    • export advice
    • workshops & skill development programs
    • access to international readiness indicators
    • information on overseas markets 
    • trade missions and business introductions 
    • personalised information for individual businesses. 

    More information

  • This guide, produced by Austrade, will guide you, step by step, through all stages of exporting, from getting ready to pricing, risk management, freight/logistics and legal issues.

    Visit the Guide here

  • The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is a financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. Administered by Austrade, the scheme supports businesses in a wide range of industry sectors to promote:

    • the export of goods and most services
    • inbound tourism
    • the export of intellectual property and know-how

    The program provides up to eight grants to eligible applicants and is designed to:

    • encourage small and medium sized Australian businesses to develop export markets
    • reimburse up to 50% of eligible export promotion
    • assist with expenses above $5,000 provided that the total expenses are at least $15,000

    More information

  • The Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)  is Australia’s export finance agency assisting small to medium sized enterprises that are in an export supply chain or looking to establish an overseas direct investment.

    They operate on a commercial basis and assist with export finance, working capital and export contract bonds.

    EFIC provide financial solutions to help business achieve international export success. Additionally EFIC undertake research to understand the export environment  and provide educational material and tools to inform businesses on their export journey.

    More information

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