The Minns Labor Government is strengthening support for businesses in New South Wales to expand into international markets, launching a renewed suite of export programs designed to help local companies grow, create jobs and reach more customers around the world.
Exporting can be a game changer for local businesses – unlocking new customers, creating new revenue opportunities and building resilience through market diversification.
The programs support the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to growing the state’s international trade performance and ensuring NSW businesses are well positioned to capture opportunities across Asia, North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. They also seek to build momentum on Australia’s recent Free Trade Agreements with the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.
To help businesses seize these opportunities, the NSW Government is delivering targeted support at every phase of the export journey, from helping early stage businesses lay the groundworks to export, through to connecting established businesses with new customers, partners and buyers in international markets.
Export Capability Building Program (ECBP)
The refreshed Export Capability Building Program will deliver 13 workshops throughout 2026-27, providing businesses with structured guidance to assess export readiness, develop market entry strategies and build practical exporting skills.
Communities of Practice (CoP) for Exporters
Complementing this, a new Communities of Practice for Exporters will connect experienced exporters with businesses looking to expand internationally, creating industry-focused networks across agrifood, digital technology, and life sciences and healthcare.
Over four sessions, the program aims to connect more than 100 businesses through peer learning, mentoring and the sharing of market insights.
2026/27 Going Global Export Program (GGEP) and Going Global Trade Missions (GGTM)
Over 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions are planned for 2026/27, giving NSW businesses the opportunity to travel to key overseas markets, participate in international trade shows, meet prospective buyers and build valuable business connections.
Delivered by Investment NSW and in partnership with the Australian Government through Austrade’s Accessing New Markets Initiative, the programs are designed to help businesses expand their global footprint and turn export opportunities into commercial outcomes.
GGEPs support small and medium-sized businesses to enter new markets or diversify their export footprint through tailored market insights, expert advice and international business connections.
GGTMs support experienced and high-growth exporters to accelerate expansion into priority markets and pursue new commercial opportunities overseas.
The GGEPs and GGTMs will target key markets across Southeast Asia, North Asia, China, India, North America, UK, Europe and the Middle East, with opportunities spanning sectors including agrifood, digital technology, life sciences and healthcare, clean energy, manufacturing and mining equipment, technology and services (METS).
Together, these three initiatives support the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, and align with the priorities of the NSW Industry Policy, helping businesses expand and diversify exports while driving economic growth across the state.
One business already benefiting from the NSW Government’s export support is Apollo Engineering, a Tamworth-based manufacturer of cleaning equipment for heavy machinery in the mining and transport industries.
After participating in an ECBP workshop in 2023, Apollo took part in a GGEP that connected the company with distributors in Indonesia. The business subsequently secured new distribution agreements, generating export sales and creating a strong pipeline for future growth.
Other businesses supported include:
Biointelect – NSW life sciences company that, with NSW Government support, expanded into the United States and Republic of Korea, building international partnerships and growing exports.
PowerStack – Wollongong-based clean energy technology company that secured export sales in the Middle East and expanded into global markets with support from the NSW Government.
Renovatio – Sydney health and wellness business that has grown into a multi-million-dollar exporter, expanding into the United States through major retail and distribution partnerships while creating demand for Australian-grown produce.
For more information on how the NSW Government is supporting businesses to export visit www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/export-from-nsw.
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“NSW businesses have world-class products, services and expertise, and the Minns Labor Government wants to see more of them competing – and winning – on the global stage.
“Strong exports create local jobs, drive investment in NSW and strengthen our economy, which is why we’re investing in practical support to help businesses expand into new international markets.
“The NSW Export Support Program 2026-27 delivers on our NSW Trade and Investment Strategy and complements the NSW Industry Policy by helping businesses reach new customers, enter new markets and grow their global footprint.
“In a rapidly changing global trading environment, diversifying export markets has never been more important. These programs will give NSW businesses the confidence, skills and connections they need to seize new opportunities and grow.”
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
“PowerStack is a great example of the innovation and manufacturing capability we have here in the Illawarra.
“The NSW Government’s export support programs are helping businesses like PowerStack access new markets, grow their customer base and create new opportunities for local jobs.
“It’s fantastic to see an Illawarra company exporting world-leading clean energy technology and showcasing our region’s expertise on the global stage.”
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:
“NSW businesses have enormous potential to grow through exports, but success in international markets requires the right connections, insights and support.
“The NSW Export Support Program 2026-27 will help more businesses take advantage of global opportunities and strengthen New South Wales’ position as Australia’s leading trading state.
“We look forward to continuing to work with government and industry to support NSW businesses to grow their global footprint and strengthen the state’s trade performance.”
PowerStack Energy Chief Executive Officer Michael Bragg said:
“There are numerous global markets that are a natural fit for our technology, particularly in regions where rapidly deployable, off-grid energy solutions are in high demand.
“Support from the Investment NSW has helped us access new markets and showcase our technology to key customers and stakeholders. The guidance they provided has proven invaluable in navigating entry to these markets.
“That has been critical in helping us grow our export pipeline and position the business for further expansion globally.”
Renovatio Founder Dr Vincent Candrawinata said:
“Expanding into global markets has been a key driver of our business growth, allowing us to showcase Australian grown apples and patented technology in our innovative health supplement, healthy pantry and skincare range to the world.
“The incredible connections, guidance and support provided through Investment NSW programs have been instrumental in helping us scale into the US market.
“It’s enabled us to grow our operations at home while increasing demand for Australian-grown produce.”
Apollo Engineering Managing Director Dave Errington said:
“Exporting has opened up entirely new growth opportunities for our business and allowed us to take Australian-made manufacturing to global markets.
“The support we received helped us build the right connections on the ground in Indonesia and navigate the complexity of entering a new market.
“It’s enabled us to scale with confidence and continue growing our international footprint from regional NSW.”
Biointelect Chief Executive Officer Leah Goodman said:
“Support from Investment NSW has been an important element in enabling our business growth into international markets and connecting with the right partners, particularly in the United States and Asia.”
