Insights
South Australia's Global Expansion Program (Round 6): A Practical Guide for Export-Ready Businesses.
If your South Australian business sells overseas, or is ready to, the Global Expansion Program South Australia can help fund the work needed to enter new markets. Round 6 of this SA export grant is open now and closes at 5.00pm on Thursday 29 October 2026, so there isn't much time to prepare.
Read the official details on the Global Expansion Program page from the Department of State Development, including the program guidelines and FAQs linked from that page.
What Is the Global Expansion Program?
The Global Expansion Program (GEP) is delivered by the South Australian Department of State Development (DSD). In DSD's words, it is "designed to help eligible South Australian businesses grow international sales by overcoming export barriers, building export capability and implementing practical export growth activities."
Successful applicants get more than money. The support package includes:
An independent business review of your export capability, capacity and growth opportunities.
A tailored action plan that sets out priority export activities.
Grant funding for approved export development activities through DSD export funding.
Ongoing guidance from a dedicated DSD Case Manager.
Connections to export support services, networks and international market opportunities.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The export grant South Australia 2026 program offers:
Up to $50,000, excluding GST, per successful applicant.
No co-contribution. DSD says the program "is fully funded by the Government of South Australia and no financial co-contribution is required from approved applicants."
Key Dates for Round 6
Applications close: 5.00pm, Thursday 29 October 2026.
Successful applicants notified: Early December 2026.
Funding awarded: April 2027.
Information session for successful applicants: February 2027, in Adelaide.
DSD notes that dates are estimates and encourages businesses to apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications are only considered at DSD's discretion.
Who Can Apply for the Global Expansion Program South Australia?
According to the September 2026 guidelines, your business must:
Hold an active South Australian registered ABN and be registered for GST.
Be located in South Australia, or show significant operations here.
Have generated commercial sales revenue for at least 24 consecutive months before the closing date.
Have an exportable product or service, produced primarily from South Australia under your own brand.
Be currently exporting, or be able to show export readiness.
Not have received funding through the program in the previous three years.
There is no minimum turnover or staff number, but you must fall within one of the State Government's priority sectors:
Creative industries
Critical technologies
Defence and space
Resources, fuels and clean tech
Food, wine and agribusiness
Health and medical
International education
Tourism
The program isn't open to aggregators, traders, or businesses that sell services or export on behalf of other businesses.
What Can the SA Export Grant Be Used For?
DSD lists activities such as export strategy and market entry planning, international market research, branding and marketing for international markets, intellectual property and regulatory advice, business matching, trade exhibitions and product adaptation for export markets.
For technology-minded exporters, three items stand out:
Digital marketing and eCommerce development: Eligible activities may include work to support international digital marketing and online sales. This may be relevant to businesses exploring a digital marketing export grant in Adelaide.
Translation and localisation services: Adapting content and communications for international markets.
Product adaptation for export markets: Adjusting products or services to meet the needs of overseas customers.
Businesses considering an eCommerce export grant should ensure the proposed development is directly related to their export plans.
Every activity must be approved by DSD and included in your action plan, and eligibility is decided case by case. Check the official program guidelines and FAQs before committing to any activity.
What Isn't Covered by the Export Grant South Australia 2026?
The guidelines exclude:
Internal salaries and staff costs
Capital equipment
Payments to related entities
Grant writing services
Travel and accommodation
Domestic marketing unrelated to export
Any work done before your grant agreement is signed
Plan your export activities around independent service providers, and don't start work early.
What You Will Need to Apply
Before applying for the Global Expansion Program, prepare the following information and documents:
Financial statements for the two most recent financial years, including the balance sheet and income statement, ideally prepared and signed by a qualified accountant. Drafts or management accounts are accepted if the latest year isn't finalised.
Information on your growth history, including revenue and employees.
Evidence of your past and current export activity, and the export category that fits you: Infrequent Exporter, New Market Entry, In-Country Focus or New Exporter.
Applications are lodged online through the DSD grants portal. For questions about the program, contact the Trade Grants team at [email protected] or call (08) 7085 1533.
How Applications Are Assessed
Assessors score four areas:
Your unique selling proposition and competitive advantage in target markets
Your understanding of export capabilities and challenges
Your commitment to export
The economic benefit to South Australia, including the ability to achieve export results within 12 to 18 months
Your financial position is also reviewed.
How StepSharp Can Help Export-Ready Businesses
StepSharp Digital is an Adelaide software, AI and automation company that implements AI, ERP, MES and IoT systems for growing businesses.
Export growth puts pressure on your systems: international orders, multi-currency pricing, inventory across markets, and production that has to keep up with demand. We help South Australian businesses put the digital foundations in place, from eCommerce and localised websites to ERP integration, production tracking and AI-driven automation, so they're ready to scale when new markets open up.
If you're planning export activities such as eCommerce development or localisation, talk to StepSharp about scoping the digital side of your plan. Remember that DSD approves all activities and service providers through the action plan.
Key Takeaways
The Global Expansion Program South Australia offers eligible businesses up to $50,000 in funding to support approved export development activities. If your business is preparing to enter new international markets, review the eligibility requirements, identify your priority export activities and prepare your application before the Round 6 deadline.
Important: This is general information based on DSD's published program page and September 2026 guidelines as at 20 October 2026. Decisions rest with the Department of State Development, so confirm details with DSD before applying.