Canberra has programs and resources to help your business grow in international markets.

Whether you’re new to exporting or an established exporter, you’ll find free and paid export advice in the Canberra region.

Austrade

Austrade helps businesses reduce the time, cost and risk of exporting. It offers tailored services to established businesses looking to expand into new markets.

For your business, they can:

• research a market or country
• identify potential partners and customers
• make appointments for you during a market visit
• arrange market promotions
• follow up initial introductions to see if there’s real potential
• work out what your next steps should be

Austrade’s TradeStart program

The ACT Government partner with Austrade to give exporters access to the resources of Austrade’s global network.

The ACT TradeStart advisers can give you personalised help, including:

• advice on the market you’re targeting
• talking to local industry players
• reviewing the potential of your business products and services

The TradeStart service is available to export-ready businesses. Through the service, Austrade can help connect you with overseas networks.

There is a dedicated TradeStart adviser in Canberra. There is also a specialist Business Development Manager on the ground in Singapore.

Learn more about the TradeStart program.

Chief Minister’s Export Awards

Each year local exporters are celebrated through the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards.

They can help you grow export opportunities by:

• giving you access to international and local networks
• helping you with tools and compliance sources in more than 90 countries
• issuing export documentation

Through their International Business Mentoring Program, the CBC and Aspen Medical help companies grow internationally.

For more details, visit the CBC website.

Canberra Business Chamber (CBC)

The ACT Government partner with the CBC on trade missions and to bring in trade delegations. These are usually from a specific region and focused on an industry sector.

The Export Council of Australia (ECA)

The ECA can help your company become involved in international business. It helps new and experienced exporters to:

• develop international business skills
• conduct international market research
• break down barriers to trade
• build global networks

For more detail, visit the ECA website.

Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre (SRBEC)

The SRBEC helps businesses become more sustainable. It creates employment opportunities and helps young people with their careers and education.

For more details, visit the SRBEC website.

Regional Development Australia (RDA)

The RDA can help your company build its export capability, especially in the food and agriculture sector.

For more details, visit the RDA website.

NSW Government export support

If your business is in the ACT region but over the border in NSW, you can access programs and support via the NSW Government.

For more details, visit the NSW Government Export Assistance website.

Events and networking for exporters

Canberra holds a range of events for exporters. These include:

ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards

The export awards acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of Canberra’s exporters. Winners can compete at the Australian Export Awards.

Learn more about the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards.

International Business Plan Competition (IBPC)

The competition gives you the chance to work with ANU students to develop their international business plan and strategy. You can then take on interns from the program.

For more details, visit the ANU website.

Trade missions

The ACT Government is helping to connect ACT businesses and overseas markets through inbound trade delegations and trade missions.

Learn more about trade missions.

Our export focus

We’re a globally-recognised city and a thriving place to live, work and do business.

Canberra has a diverse range of sectors with export potential including, but not limited to:

• Education and research
• Tourism
• ICT and e-Government
• Defence
• Cyber security
• Space industry
• Health and sport sciences
• Renewable energy
• Agri-technology and food sciences

Expanding into new markets

We are always actively seeking new opportunities in international markets.

Key Markets that we are currently pursuing include:

• Singapore
• China
• USA
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea

International Engagement Strategy

This Strategy outlines the ACT Government’s plans to create long-lasting international relationships for the ACT’s economic, cultural and social benefit.

Learn more about our International Engagement Strategy.