14th March, 2014
The Federal government is helping small and medium-sized businesses in the Hunter electorate reach their export potential with a $50 million boost to the Export Market Development Scheme (EMDG).
The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says under Labor the EMDG scheme had been cut by $25 million a year, but new legislation which has been introduced into parliament will make the scheme more accessible to businesses looking to export.
Senator Williams said in the 2012-13 financial year, 9 business enterprises in the Hunter electorate had shared in $336,000 worth of grants under the program.
“Businesses from many parts of the electorate including Muswellbrook, Broke, Rutherford and Pokolbin benefited.
Under the Federal government’s revamped EMDG, businesses looking to pursue their first export sales will now be eligible for a $5,000 grant if they spend $15,000 on export promotion. Under the previous government they had to spend a minimum $20,000 to be eligible.
Established exporters are also now eligible for up to eight grants under the program whereas previously the maximum number was seven.
“These grants assist small and medium sized businesses to enter new export markets and become self-sustaining exporters and employers.
“The Coalition government will make Australia one of the best places to start and grow a business and these grants help in that regard,” Senator Williams said.
ENDS
Contact Greg Kachel on 0428 253 560