The Andrews Labor Government is helping 24 local businesses tap into fast-growing Asian markets with Boost Your Business Asia Gateway vouchers.
The 24 businesses are the first to receive Asia Gateway vouchers. The vouchers are worth up to $50,000 and will help businesses strengthen export networks and develop the skills required to engage with buyers and key decision makers across Asia.
By supporting local businesses to upskill, get export ready and make global connections, the Labor Government is creating opportunities for trade and investment, growing the economy and creating local jobs.
Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis announced the successful first round of Asia Gateway and the opening of a second round at SIAL China, the largest food innovation exhibition in Asia.
Mr Dalidakis is currently in China on a trade mission and met with Victorian grains wholesaler Unigrain at SIAL and congratulated it on receiving an Asia Gateway voucher which will help the company develop new marketing campaigns in China.
The program is supporting big and small businesses including local family owned business Whole Kids. Whole Kids is taking organic children’s snack products to the Chinese market which is hungry for safe and healthy imported food products.
Whole Kids is looking to access the massive Chinese market by building its brand on social media platforms such as WeChat and Weibo and sell its products through Chinese e-commerce giants like JD and Tmall.
Mr Dalidakis’ eight-day trip to China will strengthen Victoria-China relations, promote everything the state has to offer and create new opportunities for trade and investment.
Under Boost Your Business, vouchers are available in streams including Advanced Manufacturing, Asia Gateway, Food Innovation and Social Enterprise Capability.
The vouchers provide funding for businesses to develop new products, improve processes and systems, identify new export markets, undertake research and development and gain certification.
The second round of Boost Your Business funding will open on 4 June and close 13 July. For more information visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
“The huge markets of Asia present infinite opportunities, and we want to help Victorian businesses crack into those markets so they can expand overseas while creating jobs at home.”
“Victoria is home to world class companies of all sizes and we believe they should be sharing their quality products, skills and expertise with Asia.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020