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TradeConnect (TCon) is a flexible program,that will assist ACT companies build globalopportunities and enhance their internationalcompetitiveness by providing small ‘step-up’funding grants that will facilitate access to arange of professional services and activities.

This guideline is a reference guide to be used when

applying for a TCon Grant .

FUNDING CATEGORIES

The four distinct funding categories to TCon will be

as follows:

1. In-Country Assistance – support of

independent international market visits. This

funding is provided for services such as in-market

business matching and appointment scheduling,

provided by an appropriate organisation.

Organisations are to be selected from an

approved panel that include Austrade and others

that have experience in providing off-shore

representation.

2. Trade Show Assistance – support for exhibiting

at international trade shows.

Funding will be provided for registration fees,

booth costs

(excluding furniture and equipment), and theredesign costs for marketing material (excluding

printing).

3. Global Market Research Assistance – for

support for research that validates the strength of

global opportunities for a particular product or

service. This research can be conducted by

either on-shore or off-shore consultants.

4. Coaching/Mentoring Services Assistance – for

further expert, export development

Approved applicants are able to access funding

support up to the value of $10,000 per application,

capped to a maximum total level of $30,000 over a

three-year period.

APPLICATION PROCESS

There will be a continuous application process for the

program, with a bi-monthly assessment.

Assessments of TCon Grants will be conducted by

the BID Client Manager Team running the program,

with final approval given by BID Senior Management

and the local Austrade Officer.

New exporters applying for funding need to be

qualified as being export capable by successfully

completing an ACT Government funded Canberra 

BusinessPoint export program, whilst existing

exporters are assessed in consultation with the local

Austrade Senior Export Adviser.

All applications are required to demonstrate the

suitability and strategic value of the requested

support to the ACT, including the potential for long

term economic benefit to the ACT.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applications for TCon may be accepted if the

following criteria are met:1. They are an ACT registered business or have

significant operations in the ACT.

2. They have a written business or export plan.

3. They have tradeable goods and services and

are export-capable for the market to be visited.

4. They are visiting a new market i.e. one in which

the company is not represented and is not

already selling to.

Guidelines for Applicants

General Enquir ies: Phone 1800 244 650

Website: www.business.act.gov.au 

(Revised: July 2010)

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5. They have clear and realistic objectives for the

visit.

6. If new to exporting, the applicant has or will

undertake a relevant Canberra BusinessPoint  

export program workshop.

7. The export activity will increase the capacity of

the business and generate business or

employment growth in the ACT.

COMPLIANCE NOTES

1. Each approved applicant is required to enter into

a funding agreement with the ACT Government

for a set term.

2. No funded activities can be commenced until

formal, written notification of an application’sgrant approval has been received (i.e. no

activities will receive retrospective funding

approval).

3. Funding assistance will not be provided for travel

or accommodation expenses, equipment hire or

printing costs associated with marketing material.

4. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis

for costs incurred and paid. There is no provision

for up-front funding in advance of any program

activities.

5. Proof of expenditure will be required for all

funding support.

6. Each claim will require a comprehensive written

report of activities undertaken, outcomes

achieved and whether objectives were met.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on the grant program contact

one of the following BID Client Managers:

• Laura Hartley

Phone: 6205 3051Email: laura.hartley@act.gov.au 

OR

• Robert Holgate

Phone: 6205 5287

Email: robert.holgate@act.gov.au