Twelve South Australian companies have shared in more than $340,000 of funding under the first round of the Export Partnership Program.
Seven of the twelve companies are from the food and wine industries, each receiving between $18,050 and $31,225.
Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said there has been a resounding response from South Australian exporters with 48 fully completed applications received in this first round alone.
“This indicates a healthy appetite from South Australian businesses to explore global markets,” Hamilton-Smith said.
“Under the Export Partnership Program, current and aspiring exporters can apply for funding up to $50,000 to pursue international market development.
“The 12 successful recipients will use this funding to grow their knowledge and export capabilities through coaching, training, market intelligence, and also to execute planned activities overseas to market their products.
Hamilton-Smith said he expects the high level of interest in the program will continue and is likely to increase with an active calendar of ministerial trade missions in 2015.
“The government will lead business missions to India and South East Asia during August where we’ll be accompanied by a number of South Australian sectors looking to build their presence in these important markets,” Hamilton-Smith said.
“This is part of a targeted strategy by the South Australian Government to support exporters through facilitation services, diplomacy, awareness raising and critical funding to address the cost of export marketing activities.”
“A number of sectors stand to benefit from the new grants, including aerospace, creative industries, food and wine and services.
“Markets being pursued for a diverse range of proposed activities include China, India, South East Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.”
Round one recipients Funding awarded
AEM Cores Pty Ltd $31,000
Barossa Vintage Pty Ltd $31,000
Elderton Wines $31,225
Ezy-Fit Hydraulics $30,000
Ferguson Australia Pty Ltd $50,000
Kilikanoon Wines Pty Ltd $27,475
MacTaggart Scott Pty Ltd $6,000
Pindarie Wines $30,075
Prism Defence $14,500
Rossi Boots $50,000
Saltbush Livestock Pty Ltd $24,500
SEAPA Pty Ltd $18,050