Mitchell Businesses Exporting to the World: Abbott Government invests more in the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme

Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell, is delighted that the Abbott Government has moved to help small and medium sized businesses in Mitchell reach their export potential by providing a $50 million boost to the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme.

“It is a great feeling to be part of a government that is delivering on its election commitments, especially those commitments which help small and medium sized businesses grow in an increasingly global economy.” Alex Hawke said

In the last round, 13 businesses in Mitchell received grants to a combined total in excess of $500,000. The provision of a $50 million boost to the EMDG scheme affords more businesses in Mitchell the opportunity to apply for a grant.

“These changes reflect the Prime Minister’s declaration that Australia is under new management and ‘Open for Business’.” Alex Hawke said

One local business that received a grant is Phoenix Engineering Systems. Managing Director Don Wallace said “our business exports this year will comprise of 70 per cent to United Arab Emirates, Norway and the United States”.  (Pictured: L-R Don Wallace, Managing Director, Alex Hawke MP and Max Rosso, Engineering Manager).

“As an established exporter Phoenix Engineering Systems will now be eligible for up to eight grants under the program whereas previously the maximum number was seven.”

“We as a government want to drive growth and innovation in our economy. These improvements to the EMDG scheme will benefit many small business exporters in Mitchell. Export markets are our future and these grants will help small businesses access markets they may not have thought possible,” concluded Alex Hawke.

The 2013-14 grant year opens 1 July 2014 to 1 December 2014.  For further information visit www.austrade.gov.au/Export/Export-Grants.