By Sally Chandler

A NEW financial subsidy and a cash prize have been implemented to encourage Tasmanian businesses to enter the 2019 Tasmanian Export Awards, which are open for submissions.

In their 26th year, the awards honour and reward our hard working, risk taking exporters who employ so many people around Tasmania, Australia and the globe.

The Tasmanian Export Awards are open to companies engaged in international business who have achieved sustainable growth through innovation and commitment. The awards measure businesses against their peers based on the strength of their international growth, marketing and financial strategies.

The categories, which mirror the award categories at the national level, are– Agribusiness, Food and Beverages; Professional Services; Creative industries; International Education and Training; Emerging Exporter; Sustainability; International Health; Technology and Innovation; Manufacturing and Advanced Materials; Minerals, Energy and related Services; e-Commerce; Regional Exporter; and, Small Business.

Exporters can enter more than one category to maximise their chance of success, but can only win one category.

The overall winner of the 2019 Tasmanian Export Awards is chosen from one of the category winners. All category winners go on to compete in the national finals of the Australian Export Awards to be held in early December in Canberra.

There are two Tasmania specific categories this year – Tasmanian Women in Export, and, Young Exporter.

These are local recognition awards and are not part of the Australian Export Awards. To recognise the time it takes to present a high quality application, the Department of State Growth has this year introduced a subsidy framework where exporters who wish to engage an external entity to assist them prepare an application, can receive a subsidy of up to $500 per business.

Additionally this year, the overall winner of the 2019 Tasmanian Export Awards will win a cash prize of $5,000 that the business could put towards exhibiting at an international trade show, undertaking a market visit, or bringing a customer or potential customer to visit them onsite in Tasmania.

I strongly encourage exporters to enter the Tasmanian Export Awards to build their business profile, stand out as an industry leader, and, be recognised for their exporting success.

The closing date is August 9th and applications are online at https://exportaward.com.au/tas/newentry/.

The Tasmanian Export Awards ceremony is being held in Launceston on the 19th
September.

For international trade and investment assistance contact the TCCI’s TradeStart Adviser, Sally Chandler, at sally.chandler@tcci.com.au or phone 1300 559 122.