The NSW Government has launched a renewed suite of export support programs aimed at helping local businesses enter international markets, secure new customers and build more resilient sources of revenue.
The 2026–27 NSW Export Support Program will provide assistance across different stages of the export journey—from preparing businesses for their first overseas market to connecting established exporters with international buyers, distributors and commercial partners.
The initiative will target opportunities across Asia, North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East, with a particular focus on industries in which NSW businesses have strong growth potential.
Export capability workshops planned across NSW
Under the refreshed Export Capability Building Program, 13 workshops will be delivered during the 2026–27 financial year.
The workshops will help participating businesses assess whether they are ready to export, identify suitable overseas markets and develop practical market-entry strategies.
Businesses will also receive guidance on areas such as export planning, international customer engagement, market research and managing the risks associated with overseas expansion.
The program is primarily intended to support early-stage and emerging exporters that need stronger foundations before entering a new market.
New networks to connect experienced and emerging exporters
A new Communities of Practice for Exporters initiative will also bring businesses together through industry-focused networks.
The program will connect experienced exporters with companies that are preparing to expand internationally, allowing participants to share commercial knowledge, market insights and lessons from previous export activity.
Four sessions are expected to connect more than 100 businesses across three priority sectors:
- Agrifood
- Digital technology
- Life sciences and healthcare
The peer-based model is designed to help businesses learn from companies that have already navigated overseas regulations, distribution arrangements and customer expectations.
More than 30 export programs and trade missions planned
More than 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions are planned for 2026–27.
The initiatives will give eligible NSW companies opportunities to attend international trade exhibitions, meet prospective buyers and distributors, explore market conditions and establish new business relationships overseas.
The Going Global Export Program will primarily support small and medium-sized businesses seeking to enter their first international market or diversify beyond their existing export destinations.
Participants will receive tailored market information, specialist advice and introductions to potential commercial partners.
Going Global Trade Missions will focus on more experienced and high-growth exporters seeking to accelerate expansion and pursue advanced commercial opportunities in priority markets.
The programs will target Southeast Asia, North Asia, China, India, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East.
Priority sectors will include agrifood, clean energy, digital technology, life sciences and healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and mining equipment, technology and services.
Investment NSW will deliver the initiatives in partnership with the Australian Government through Austrade’s Accessing New Markets Initiative.
Building on new trade opportunities
The export programs are intended to help NSW businesses take advantage of changing international trade conditions and reduce their reliance on a limited number of markets.
Australia’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates is already in force, providing improved market access for Australian goods and services in the Middle East.
Negotiations for the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement concluded in March 2026. However, the agreement must still complete the required legal, signature and ratification processes before it enters into force.
The NSW programs will help businesses prepare for opportunities expected to emerge from these agreements while also strengthening access to established markets.
NSW businesses report export growth
Several NSW companies have already expanded internationally after participating in earlier government export programs.
Tamworth-based Apollo Engineering attended an Export Capability Building Program workshop in 2023 before joining a Going Global Export Program focused on Indonesia.
The manufacturer, which produces cleaning equipment for heavy machinery used in the mining and transport sectors, was connected with local distributors and subsequently secured new distribution agreements.
Wollongong clean-energy company PowerStack has also used NSW Government export support to pursue customers in the Middle East and develop a broader international sales pipeline.
Sydney-based health and wellness company Renovatio expanded into the United States through retail and distribution partnerships, increasing overseas demand for products made with Australian-grown apples.
Life sciences company Biointelect has used government support to build partnerships and expand its activities in the United States and the Republic of Korea.
Supporting jobs and economic growth
NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said international expansion could help businesses increase revenue, attract investment and create jobs within the state.
He said market diversification had become increasingly important as businesses responded to changing global trade conditions.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said export success often depended on companies having access to reliable market knowledge, commercial networks and practical support.
The renewed programs form part of the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy and align with the priorities of the NSW Industry Policy.
Businesses interested in participating will be able to access information about upcoming workshops, export programs and trade missions through the NSW Government’s export support channels as individual opportunities open during the 2026–27 financial year.
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