Unfortunately not. Unless your company produces a product which creates export dollars for Victoria you are not eligible to receive a grant. If you attend on a company's behalf, then the company may be eligible to receive the grant.

2. What paperwork do I need to provide?

Complete the online Financial Grant Application Form and provide all relevant supporting documentation in order to complete your application/claim for a grant.

3. What grants are available?

The program supports Victorian ICT companies that attend international trade shows and events, outside of Australia, that are relevant to their business.

Grants include:

Type of Grant

Definition

Grant Amount (excl. GST)

Follow-up visitor

A follow-up visitor is a person, representing an eligible ICT company, that is travelling to a meeting or event overseas with the expectation of confirming a significant sales contract. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the travel is essential to achieving substantial export sales. The grant is for only one representative per company per event and may only be accessed once a year.

Recovery of expenses up to $2,500 max (Approved Export Plan required)

Networker

A networker is a person, representing an eligible ICT company attending an international ICT expo, or MMV led business mission. This grant is a contribution towards airfares, accommodation and costs of trade event entry. Only one representative per company per event may apply for the grant.

Recovery of expenses up to $2,500 max (Approved Export Plan required)

Exhibitor in a shared stand

An eligible company that has the opportunity to share an exhibition stand with a multinational company, an industry association, an educational institution or an Australian government agency.

50% recovery of expenses up to $4,000 max (Approved Export Plan required)

Conference sponsor

A Conference Sponsor is an eligible company that has committed to sponsor a recognised industry conference. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of attending and sponsoring the event. Allowable expenses include airfares, accommodation, sponsorship fees and promotional costs.

50% recovery of expenses up to $4,000 max (Approved Export Plan required)

Sole exhibitor

A sole exhibitor is an eligible ICT company exhibiting at an international expo in a non-shared stand. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of the company attending the event. It includes airfares, accommodation, stand and promotional costs.

50% recovery of expenses up to $8,000 (Approved Export Plan required)

Group exhibitor

A group exhibitor is the representative entity of a cluster of ICT companies attending an international expo. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of the company attending the event. It includes airfares, accommodation, stand and promotional costs.

50% recovery of expenses up to $10,000 (Approved Project Plan required)

First-time sole exhibitor

A first-time exhibitor is an eligible ICT company that has never before accessed the program and provides an additional incentive to exhibit and assistance to develop promotional materials. The grant is a contribution towards airfares, accommodation, exhibition stand costs and the cost of promotional materials.This grant can only be accessed once.

50% recovery of expenses up to $10,000 (Approved Export Plan required)

4. Are there restrictions on what trade shows and events I can attend?

If your Victorian ICT company meets the eligibility criteria and has not received funding from an alternative funding source, you are free to select international trade shows and events relevant to your business. Events must have an expo component.

5. How often can I apply for grant assistance?

Companies may access the program up to three times in a financial year. Only one grant per trip is permitted.

Networker grants can only be accessed four times over two financial years. A Networker grant covers the cost of only one person per company attending the event. A First-time sole exhibitor grant can only be received once.

6. Can I receive more grants if several employees are attending a trade event?

Unfortunately not. You are entitled to one grant per company, not per representative. A networker grant covers the cost of only one person per company attending the event.

7. My company cannot attend the event. Can someone attend on my behalf?

Yes, although your company must submit the application, not the person attending.

8. Is there a cut-off date for my grant application?

Yes. Your online application form and supporting documentation, which includes statutory declaration and Certificate of Registration of a Company or Business Name, Export Plan or Project Plan and copies of marketing materials must be received at least two weeks prior to the event.

9. Am I able to apply after the event?

Unfortunately not. Applications must be completed two weeks prior to the event.

10. Do I have to provide all information every time I apply?

Yes. All information must be submitted every time you apply for a grant. This includes the application form, relevant statutory declaration, Certificate of Registration of a Company or Business Name, Export Plan or Project Plan and relevant marketing materials.

11. How will I know whether my company is eligible to receive a grant?

You should receive an email within 15 working days of submitting all your paperwork. Your application will be approved or rejected on the basis of the qualifying criteria. If you do not receive notification concerning the success of your application you should contact the contact the Technology TRIP Program - ICT Manager on 9655 1066 or email trip_ict@dbi.vic.gov.au

12. When should I expect to receive my grant?

Upon return from the trade show or event, you need to complete the post-event paperwork process within six weeks. Claims are usually processed once a month.

For more information contact the Technology TRIP Program - ICT Manager on 9655 1066 or email trip_ict@dbi.vic.gov.au