Export Diversification Program: Support for South Australian exporters navigating trade disruption

South Australian exporters facing ongoing trade disruption now have access to a targeted funding program designed to help businesses stabilise in a volatile trading market and increase the competitiveness of South Australian products internationally. The Export Diversification Program, delivered by the South Australian Department of State Development (DSD), provides grant funding and advisory support to exporters that have been directly impacted by the global trade environment, including increased export costs and disrupted supply chains.

This program is a rare opportunity for businesses as there is no matched funding requirement, making it accessible for businesses already under pressure from disrupted export revenues.

A streamlined approach to funding

The Export Diversification Program adopts a two‑stage Expression of Interest (EOI) process, reducing the upfront time and cost for businesses assessing their eligibility.

At the EOI stage, businesses are asked to demonstrate their export activity and the impact of trade disruption. On completion on an EOI, applicants will be allocated a DSD case manager to provide tailored support for their application. Only applicants that are assessed as suitable are invited to submit a full application, allowing exporters to focus their effort where there is a genuine funding opportunity.

Even where a business is not ultimately eligible, at either the EOI or full application stage, DSD has indicated that applicants will still be referred for trade and export support from the broader government trade system.

Funding available: focus on market acceleration

The program offers two funding streams, with the most significant support available under the Market Accelerator Grant, providing up to $50,000 to eligible exporters.

This funding is designed to support structured, higher‑impact activities such as:

• Market diversification strategies
• Regulatory, tariff and compliance advice
• Supply chain restructuring
• Specialist advisory support for new or alternative markets.

Who should consider the Export Diversification Program?

The Export Diversification Program is particularly relevant for exporters that:

• Have existing export activity and can demonstrate exports over the past two financial years
• Have been directly and significantly impacted by global trade disruptions
• Are seeking to diversify markets or stabilise existing export channels rather than commence exporting for the first time.

This eligibility requirement means the program is not targeted at early‑stage or first‑time exporters, and there is limited support in what might traditionally be considered the ‘entry‑level’ funding tier.

A timely opportunity for wine exporters

For South Australian wine businesses, particularly smaller wineries that have been significantly affected by disruptions in the global market, the program presents a timely opportunity to reset export strategies.

With funding able to support market research, compliance and entry into alternative markets, the program may assist wine exporters to reduce reliance on a single destination and build more resilient export pathways without needing to commit additional investment during recovery.

How BDO can help

While the Export Diversification Program removes some traditional funding barriers, eligibility, evidence requirements and strategic alignment remain critical. Businesses must clearly demonstrate the impact of trade disruption and articulate how proposed activities will support export diversification or resilience.

BDO works with exporters to:

• Assess eligibility and readiness at the EOI stage
• Align grant‑funded activities with broader export and growth strategies
• Help you meet evidence requirements
• Integrate grant funding with longer‑term tax, structuring and international expansion considerations.

For exporters navigating disruption, this program is an opportunity to rethink export strategy with the right advisory support in place.

Contact our R&D and government incentives team for support with your application, or our International trade team for advice on customs duty, excise duty and international trade compliance.