Export to new markets
Find out what exporting support is available to ACT businesses.
Understand the benefits and risks of exporting
With the right preparation, exporting and exposure to international markets can strengthen your business.
It can expand your network of suppliers, partners and customers. It can also give you new insights and ideas for developing your business and products.
When exporting you need to consider things like:
- your business and personal goals
- your diversification strategy
- your industry and exposure to risk
- global economics and politics of the countries you’re exporting to
- buyers and partners in new markets
- pricing, freight and logistics
- compliance and importing regulations
- understanding contracts you sign
- local consumer and product laws
- taxes and duties
- payment methods and export finance
- patents and intellectual property protection
- local laws and regulations in the countries you’re exporting to
- Free Trade Agreements.
Explore the export benefits and risks for your sector
Participate in workshops and information sessions
The ACT Government regularly organises workshops and information sessions to help businesses become export ready.
Information sessions and workshops cover a variety of topics, such as:
- export finance and risk management
- intellectual property protection for international markets
- navigating Free Trade Agreements
- export market entry strategies
- global logistics and compliance.
The workshops are designed to provide businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in international markets. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, our workshops offer tailored support to your business needs.
Attend our ACT Export Day
Each year, the ACT Government hosts an Export Day. At this event businesses can network with experts, access market insights, and hear from successful exporters.
Export Day provides a platform for businesses to learn from peers and industry leaders on how to tackle export challenges and seize opportunities.
Participate in trade missions
The ACT Government designs and delivers trade missions to connect ACT businesses with opportunities in key overseas markets.
Trade missions are valuable to businesses that want to start exporting or expand their current exports. The Office of International Engagement (OIE) coordinates ACT Government international engagement activities. The ACT Government offers access to training programs that give businesses the skills they need to succeed. They also provide valuable information about markets and other support.
Contact the Office of International Engagement
Get one-on-one support with ACT’s TradeStart Advisor
TradeStart is a partnership between the ACT Government and Austrade. It’s designed to help small and medium sized exporters. It helps Canberra businesses make informed and strategic export decisions and provides access to Austrade’s global networks.
The ACT Government has a dedicated TradeStart Adviser who can help businesses:
- choose the right export markets
- understand the techniques for entering new markets
- with specialised export information.
Contact our TradeStart Advisor at the OIE.
Access our Singapore Business Development Manager
Singapore is one of the most important markets ACT businesses can engage with. A Singapore Business Development Manager (BDM) is permanently posted in Singapore to help ACT businesses develop their export potential in Singapore and neighbouring countries.
Nicola Kelly is the current BDM. She helps to develop economic, educational and tourism opportunities with Singapore and the region.
Contact our Singapore Business Development Manager
Australian Government support for exporters
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has trade data available for many markets around the world. This data includes economic information about different countries and regions, including data about trade with these countries. This can help you look at longer-term trends and develop your strategy for exporting.
ACT businesses can also get support from Austrade. It provides a range of information on Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and the treaties Australia has with other countries. These agreements reduce or remove barriers to trade and investment. Exporting to countries with a FTA with Australia could mean paying less taxes and duties on the goods and services you’re exporting.
Get export ready using Austrade's Go Global Toolkit
Chief Minister’s Export Awards
The ACT Government is proud of local businesses taking their ingenuity to international markets. Each year the Chief Minister celebrates these achievements at the Chief Minister’s Export Awards.
The awards are a chance to celebrate businesses in the capital making important contributions to our local economy. The ACT Government acknowledges exporting business are also creating local growth with jobs, infrastructure and community.
If you are a local business exporting to international markets, you could consider nominating for an ACT Chief Minister’s Export Award. Winners in the ACT progress as finalists to AusTrade’s National Export Awards.
Starting, running and growing a business comes with lots of challenges, but you don't have to do it all by yourself. We have support services and resources to help all businesses on their journey.