An award-winning animation studio, a Barossa Valley winery and a manufacturer in automation equipment are some of the businesses to win funding under the Gateway Business Program.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the funding is part of State Government’s commitment to assist small to medium-sized businesses access export markets.

“Eight local businesses will share a total of $149,100 in funding under the latest round of the Business Gateway Program,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“The funding will enable aspiring or established exporters to refine their business and marketing strategies, seek export mentoring support or participate in international trade shows.

“Since the program’s inception in 2010, we have offered grants of more than $1.1 million to local businesses, resulting in new partnerships and economic benefits for South Australia.”

Company Director Justin Wright of animation studio Monkeystack said the funding would help promote their work and skills to potential overseas buyers.

“We are a small studio on the cusp of being ready to grow, particularly with the intellectual property our company is currently developing,” Mr Wright said.

“Generating most of our revenue from overseas contracts, rather than local fee for service work, can create more opportunities and higher profit margins.

“If we leverage on the success of our first gaming product, our company can anticipate a growth rate of 100 per cent or more – particularly in a global market.

Mr Hamilton-Smith said the success of small and medium businesses was vital to South Australia’s economic growth.

“Businesses need the tools and support to capitalise on emerging opportunities, especially at a time when we are witnessing a drop in the Australian dollar, Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“Over the next 12 months, the State Government will deliver on the set objectives outlined in our economic priority to provide the best service for South Australian exporters – this includes remodelling our Gateway Business Program to provide better support for exporters.”

For more information visit:
www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/investment/exporting-from-south-australia  

Recipients of the latest round of the Gateway Business Program are:

Skybree Pty Ltd – $25,000 Trading as Sky Seafoods, the Robe-based company distributes quality Southern Rock Lobsters locally and abroad. This funding will help strengthen their international profile through international trade shows, developing new marketing material and conducting website maintenance to promote South Australian rock lobsters to the world.

Rowett Onions – $25,000 Located in the Tatiara region of South Australia, the company supplies premium onions to the domestic market and has recently sent its first shipment to Singapore and Papua New Guinea. This funding will assist in targeting new markets by participating at international trade shows, updating marketing materials, conducting third party research and seeking coaching and mentoring services.

Total Electrical – $25,000 Trading as Gate Drive Systems Australia, the company is a manufacturer of commercial and industrial swing and sliding gate automation equipment. The Melrose Park company is aiming to promote its security gate product across new markets in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.

Munbrae – $23,500 Trading as Royal Rooster, the Willaston-based company manufactures a range of aluminium-framed mobile chicken coops, chicken drinker and feeder sets. The funding will help them participate at international trade shows to access new markets across the United States, Europe and New Zealand.

Natural Oysters – $15,950 Based in Coffin Bay, Natural Oysters distribute their high-end product to niche markets in China and Asia. With support from the Gateway Business Program, this company will aim to target new markets across China and France.

Murray Street Vineyards – $15,000 The Barossa Valley company employs sustainable practices to produce wines for high-end, niche markets. This funding will be used for market visits, promotional materials, shipping of samples and attendance at several international wine trade fairs across Germany, China and Hong Kong.

Monkeystack – $14,650 The multi-award winning media studio in Adelaide, producing animated and interactive content for digital mediums and portable devices. The funding will help them visit international trade shows and conferences across Europe and United States.

Universal Free Fall Winch – $5,000 The Plympton-based company, designs and manufactures quality sailboat winches. This funding will help produce new marketing collateral and access coaching and mentoring services to test new export markets.