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Eligible Victorian based companies are utilising Small Business Victoria grant funding to catapult their export drive. It is a program that can be beneficial to businesses that are either new or experienced exporters. In fact, a broad range of SMEs from many different sectors are in a position to take advantage of this great opportunity to help consolidate their goals and objectives for achieving export oriented sales.

ClientLink Management Consulting is assisting Victorian based businesses that wish to expand into overseas markets. “If the business that is interested in overseas markets meets the eligibility criteria then it may be ideally suited for the Victoria government subsidised export planning and development scheme known as Grow Your Business”, Mr. Steve Dowling said. “The State is willing to financially support businesses interested in export and ClientLink is ready to facilitate a beneficial outcome.”

3 steps to profitable exporting

The program consists of 3 distinct steps of 1) Review, 2) Plan and 3) Implement. During the review relevant information is gathered on the business and potential overseas markets to assist in the exploration towards choosing export market destination options, and underpinning certain decision making. Next, a tailored plan is developed to outline market entry strategy and selling tactics in the chosen overseas markets. Finally, during the implementation phase, the agreed plan is actioned by the business. Coaching support is delivered to provide leadership and overall implementation success. “There are many companies with an interest in overseas markets, but quite a few of these do not have a good understanding of how to go about it. Through this program we are able to provide direct support and mentoring which is in the best interests of the business”, Steve said. “It ends up a win-win for all involved, and so long as the business is eligible and has an appetite for export, they are poised to succeed in overseas markets”.

“We’ve seen how inexperienced exporters unwittingly spend money and invest resources without having researched and clarified their goals, and end up with little return or without the desired outcome. Beyond regular business fundamentals there are always additional aspects such as logistics, which market to approach and pricing for instance, which require careful consideration and planning to avert unexpected costs or reduced profitability for the business. The Grow Your Business grant program is a terrific means for a business to approach achieving their export goals in the appropriate manner to avoid any surprises.”, says Steve.

What businesses are eligible?

Like all grant programs, there are certain eligibility criteria that the business must meet in order to be able to apply. In this case they are that the business has been trading for around 2 years, can demonstrate it has been able to return a profit, has a turnover of at least $ 1 million, and is a Victorian based operation with the specific intention to increase sales in overseas markets.

The program is particularly suited to businesses with a view to begin their exporting footprint. The Grow Your Business grant program assures the businesses successful first steps into overseas markets. It is an initiative that has been operating for more than 20 years and has been extremely successful in providing financial assistance to many businesses that have an aspiration to sell in overseas markets.

Once approved to receive funding support from small business Victoria, the foundations are laid for a brighter future, and the pathway forward is as straightforward as REVIEW – PLAN – IMPLEMENT. Businesses can expect to receive more than 50% subsidy from the Victorian State Government to pay for a professional export aware adviser if they are approved to receive a Grow Your Business grant.

Achieving success

It is important for businesses to realise they will need to make a dedicated commitment by way of providing human resources over time, allocate management time to make decisions and work through scenarios and allow access to confidential company information. The final decisions ultimately reside with the business and the final success will be determined by the company’s dedication to engaging in the decision making during the review and planning phases as much as following through with the agreed action plan that will be a major outcome of the program.

“We have not only the expertise in international marketing and well established connections in related support areas and overseas markets, but we have invested time and resources to deliver outcomes to business through this program. We are offering eligible businesses an introduction, support and guidance on a no win, no fee basis to determine if they are eligible, and secure the funding to help finance their expansion into new markets” says Steve.

While opportunities to access grants are appealing, there is sometimes the obstacle of how to go about it, and in particular navigating the government system to assure success. A good export adviser with solid understanding of how to deal with Small Business Victoria and overseas markets along with relevant expertise in marketing, innovation and international business will increase chances of success.

Growing export markets

Beyond the initial review and planning activities there is the potential to receive ongoing support funding to subsidise monthly mentoring and to make that all important first step of visiting the market determined to be the best potential, for either in-market research or exhibiting purposes. Ongoing investment in export related activities may be eligible for 50% reimbursement via the Federal Government’s EMDG (Export Market Development) scheme and the final balance is usually tax deductable.

Successful export marketing initiatives are the result of a carefully thought out approach with well managed communication and relationship building rather than being a response to a sudden interest from a foreign country or the outcome of exhibiting at a trade fare without any planning beforehand. Sometimes referred to as accidental exporting, it often ends up a failure.

While trading overseas is an excellent opportunity for some businesses, at the same time it is laden with many challenges and risks to overcome. ClientLink Management Consulting is able to steer businesses on a pathway of success. Beginning with introduction and meeting with a Small Business Victoria case manager who will assess and support submission for grant approval, through to providing a full business development roadmap to the business.

“For businesses serious about export, the Grow Your Business program is an excellent pathway to achieving and growing profitable sales overseas”, says Steve. So, if you think you are a business that meets the eligibility criteria and you have the essential desire to conquer new markets then perhaps spend a few minutes at www.clientlink.com.au for more facts.

Tags:   Australian exporters · connecting overseas · Export · foreign markets · grants · International Business · overseas · planning · small business victoria · strategy · vision 1 Comment