Guidelines for Applicants
(Revised: July 2010)
TradeConnect (TCon) is a flexible program,
that will assist ACT companies build global
opportunities and enhance their international
competitiveness by providing small ‘step-up’
funding grants that will facilitate access to a
range 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 the
redesign 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
–1–
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.
General Enquiries: Phone 1800 244 650
Website: www.business.act.gov.au
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.
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.

COMPLIANCE NOTES
FURTHER INFORMATION
1. Each approved applicant is required to enter into
For further information on the grant program contact
a funding agreement with the ACT Government
one of the following BID Client Managers:
for a set term.
• Laura Hartley
2. No funded activities can be commenced until
Phone: 6205 3051
formal, written notification of an application’s
Email: laura.hartley@act.gov.au
grant approval has been received (i.e. no
activities will receive retrospective funding OR
approval).
• Robert Holgate
3. Funding assistance will not be provided for travel Phone: 6205 5287
or accommodation expenses, equipment hire or
Email: robert.holgate@act.gov.au
printing costs associated with marketing material.

–2–