Trade Connect

The ACT Government’s Trade Connect grant program, an initiative of the CBR Trade and Investment Development Fund, is designed to help Canberra based businesses with a range of export market development activities.

This is a competitive grant program. Your application will be assessed first against the program criteria and then against the merits of other applications. Applications can be lodged year round.

Applicants are encouraged to become members of the ACT Exporter’s Network, and if successful in due course, consider applying for an ACT Chief Minister’s Export Award.

Is my business eligible?

To be eligible for Trade Connect funding your business must be prepared to enter into a formal agreement with the ACT Government and meet all of the following conditions:

  • Be a registered Australian business or approved body.
  • Have a main business location in the ACT.
  • Have an annual income of less than $10 million.
  • Have tradeable goods or services for the export market to be developed.
  • Have a current Export Development Plan.

What activities does Trade Connect fund?

Eligible companies (or approved bodies) may apply for assistance with reasonable costs directly associated with export market development activities. Examples of funded activities include:

  • Market visits
  • Development of marketing material
  • Promotion and advertising
  • Trade show participation
  • Incoming buyer visits
  • Market research
  • Mentoring

How do I apply

Once you have read the Guidelines for Applicants, made sure your business is eligible for Trade Connect and that your activity or project is directly associated with export market development activities, you should submit an Application.

Applications must be submitted for assessment at least four weeks before the activity will commence.

You must submit a Funded Activity Report following the completion of any activity that is funded through Trade Connect.

Guidelines for Applicants:

Word Trade Connect Guidelines for Applicants: Word 1.6MB (Updated 27 October 2016)
PDF Trade Connect Guidelines for Applicants: PDF 163 kB (Updated 27 October 2016)

Application Form:

Word Trade Connect Application Form: Word 1.6MB (Updated 27 October 2016)
PDF Trade Connect Application Form: PDF 179 kB (Updated 27 October 2016)

Please note the application form is designed to be completed using Microsoft Word. If you have any difficulties using the form, please contact business.mailbox@act.gov.au

Funded Activity Report:

Word Trade Connect Funded Activity Report for GST Registrants: Word 2MB (Updated 22 July 2016)
PDF Trade Connect Funded Activity Report for GST Registrants: PDF 160 kB (Updated 22 July 2016)

Word Trade Connect Funded Activity Report for Non-GST Registrants: Word 2MB (Updated 22 July 2016)
PDF Trade Connect Funded Activity Report for Non-GST Registrants: PDF 160 kB (Updated 22 July 2016)

Please note the activity report is designed to be completed using Microsoft Word. If you have any difficulties using the form, please contact business.mailbox@act.gov.au

Statement of Expenditure:

Excel Trade Connect Statement of Expenditure for GST Registrants: Excel 17 kB (Updated 26 November 2015)
ExcelTrade Connect Statement of Expenditure for Non-GST Regsitrants: Excel 17 kB (Updated 26 November 2015)

Please note the Statement of Expenditure is designed to be completed using Microsoft Excel. If you have any difficulties using the form, please contact business.mailbox@act.gov.au

Where can I get more information?

More information about the Trade Connect program can be found by reading the Guidelines for Applicants.

If you would like to discuss the Trade Connect grant program with a Trade Connect Client Manager:

Phone: 13 22 81
Email: business.mailbox@act.gov.au