GATEWAY BUSINESS PROGRAM

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee) (15:06): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade. Can the minister update the house about recent changes to assist local South Australian businesses to become export ready?

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Small Business) (15:06): I thank the member for Lee for his question. I am pleased to inform the house that changes made to the state government's Gateway Business Program are making it easier for local business to access vital funding to help them prepare to export. The Gateway Business Program has been running since 2010, providing important funding for small to medium enterprises ready to take the next step and begin exporting.

The South Australia government is always looking for ways to open up new export markets, which is why we have decided to streamline the application process and criteria for Gateway to make it easier for businesses to apply—excuse me, sir, there is a noise over here from the member for West Torrens. This funding is designed to assist companies to make informed decisions about potential export markets and develop strategic methods for entry.

Successful applicants to the Gateway Business Program can receive a grant of up to $25,000 over two years for eligible projects. Individual project caps range between $2,000 and $10,000. To be eligible for a grant, applicants must have been in business for at least two years, and turn over more than $150,000 a year.

Key changes to the program include a stronger focus on preparing SMEs to export, with a $5,000 grant for training and preparing export plans; a more flexible and faster application process, with funding rounds being removed so that companies can apply for a grant as they need the money, rather than having to wait until funding rounds come up; streamlining the acquittal process so that companies are less burdened by administration when claiming reimbursements; and additional business activities will now be eligible for funding, including approved trade exhibitions held within Australia, and targeted business programs such as meetings with distributors and potential customers overseas without having to attend a trade exhibition.

These changes will remove unnecessary red tape and open up the selection criteria so that more South Australian businesses are eligible to apply. I encourage anyone looking to take their business to the next level and enter the new export markets to utilise the Gateway Business Program and the state government's team of TradeStart advisers. Anyone who would like more information about the program can visit the website at www.dmitre.sa.gov.au/gateway.