The Accelerating Trade Grant Program has been boosted to $500,000 this financial year to encourage Tasmanian businesses impacted by COVID-19 to continue their export market development plans.
The Tasmanian Government recognises that the best thing we can do for our exporters right now is assist them to re-connect and re-establish trade in their key markets as well as explore new export opportunities.
The Grants can be used for new e-commerce opportunities, helping businesses build their online reputations, as well as support market research and business-matching services, promotional activities and materials, supply chain efficiency improvements and cluster development.
Last financial year the program supported over 40 local businesses, with the funds targeted at stimulating direct market activities, such as domestic and international trade shows and events.
By reorienting this program to the immediate reality of post-COVID trade, we are standing side-by-side with the many Tasmanian exporting businesses supporting Tasmanian jobs and the economy.
The Government has moved quickly to support our exporters with an Interim Trade Action Plan and have reimagined our Accelerating Trade Grant Program to better address the impacts of global trade disruptions being felt by our exporting businesses.
We recognise that trade is vital in the recovery of our economy following the impacts of COVID-19, and we will continue to stand by our local exporting businesses during the recovery phase.