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Simplifying the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) scheme The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme will be simplified and reoriented from a scheme providing assistance through reimbursement after expenditure to an upfront grant agreement. This will give eligible exporters funding certainty before they embark on their marketing and promotion activities. The reoriented EMDG program will maintain features valued by SME exporters and industry bodies, while making it simpler to access. Want to find out more? Watch the recording of the Webinar held on Thursday 17 September 2020 to learn more about the findings and recommendations from the Review and what this...

The Government has recently announced some changes to the Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG) for 2020 applications. Please see below the significant changes: Removal of the export performance requirements The Government has waived the export performance test for those applying for a grant for the 2019–20 grant year, from 1st July 2020. Any business which has incurred eligible EMDG expenses for promotional activities in 2019–20 will be able to seek reimbursement for 50% of these expenses without the Export Performance Test applying. First Tranche Payment Increased to $100,000 The Government has also increased the first tranche payment from $40,000 to...

Compass Studio is a boutique PR & Marketing agency that specialises in conscious brands in a bid to ‘do good work, for brands that do good.’   Compass Studio represents some of Australia’s most reputable brands in the impact-led space. Natalie is the Co Founder and Director of Compass Studio who speaks regularly as an authority on the topic of purpose in the brand space. Before founding Compass Studio, Natalie spent a decade in publishing and partnerships developing a deep understanding of the Australia media landscape and understanding the power marketers have to change the world. Through a love of...

We sit down with the very talented Bec from Velvet Canyon to learn what it takes to build a global accessory brand. What inspired you to launch Velvet Canyon? My sister and I have always wanted to start a brand together! We had a lot of ideas but just kept going back to sunglasses. I styled a lot of shoots and always had difficulty finding the exact glasses I want, so why not design the ones I want?  What is your most popular product or service, what really makes your customers & clients get excited? Our most popular product, by...

Recreation aims to merge the concepts of organic and luxury together.  When owner, Nedahl Stelio, started to live an organic lifestyle and refrain from using chemicals, she ventured into creating a fragrance collection that is safe enough to touch one’s skin. The finest points of Recreation’s products, aside from the actual scent of the products, are (1) that it’s all-natural and uses organic ingredients as much as possible; (2) the ingredients are ethically-sourced - no animal products, and no animal testing; and (3) usage of 50% recycled plastic bottles in the development of the product’s containers.  KP Retail had a...

Sid and Jac are women entrepreneurs, who offer beauty and personal care products with magnesium as the base ingredient. The brand’s objective is to utilise the minerals that nature has to offer to come up with all-natural products that are safe for the users. What inspired you to launch Sid & Jac? When Jacqueline and I couldn't find a natural way to relax, we went out and found delicious minerals that we could soak and spray. Our philosophy is to have fun and relax. We want our tribe to feel happy and calm - a feeling that we were chasing...