Global Gateway Program
Program overview
The Global Gateway Program is a key part of the Victorian Government’s $15.7 million Export Recovery Package, supporting established Victorian exporters to stabilise their business and adapt their export strategies in response to the challenges created by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Global Gateway Grant Recipients Announced
On 29 March 2021, the Victorian Government announced over 180 Global Gateway grant recipients, representing a diverse range of industry sectors from across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Each recipient has received a one-off grant of up to $50,000 to engage professional service providers for project activities including market intelligence, market access and marketing and promotion, and help them continue to break new ground in international markets.
This record investment from the government is assisting Victorian exporters to maintain their connection to international markets, champion Victorian export growth, safeguard jobs and drive the state’s economic recovery.
Collectively, the recipients generated more than $6.3 billion worth of exports in 2019-20 in key industries such as manufacturing, food and beverage, education and training, agriculture and fishing, and professional, scientific and tech services – accounting for 11 per cent of Victoria’s total exports.
Read the full suite of recipients
Global Gateway Success Stories
Nelnet International
Nelnet International provides payment technology and community management solutions for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, churches, and businesses in the U.S. and internationally.
The company work in the education space providing commerce platforms and student information systems to universities and schools in 80 per cent of the universities in Australia, and currently export to New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, serving more than 1300 higher education institutions and 11,500 K-12 schools globally.
Video: Global Gateway Success Story, Nelnet International
“We have changed how we’re now going to enter new countries because of the grant. We now have a very strategic plan to go in, a very targeted plan on who we are going to identify for schools, universities, and partners to work with. The grant puts us on a path to go into markets correctly. We are now able to engage the right resources to be successful.”
Joe Egan - Executive Vice President of Global Solutions at Nelnet International.
Nelnet are using their Global Gateway Grant for entry into Indonesia, to undertake marketing opportunities and develop a strategic go-to-market plan.
Pureharvest
The Global Gateway grant is opening doors for innovative Victorian company, Pureharvest.
The grant has given them the opportunity to broaden their knowledge in how to access parts of the world where their products are not currently exported to, and develop some other exporting opportunities that the company haven’t been able to do in the past, given the cost constraints.
Video: Global Gateway Success Story: Pureharvest
Established in 1979 in Prahran, Victoria, the company has become one of the largest suppliers of seeds and grains to the bakery trade in the State.
The Global Gateway grant has enabled us to put some funding together, to get to the retailers, and let them know who we are to assist with additional sales.” John Stergiou, Head of International Business at Pureharvest
Pureharvest were one of the first companies in Australia to import and distribute soy milk and rice cakes, and played a key role in financing the first organic rice crop grown in Australia.
In 1987, Pureharvest were the first Australian company to sell locally made whole bean soy milk, marketed under the ‘Aussie Soy’ brand which has remained one of the leading Australian whole bean soy milks to this day. The company also played a key role in financing the first organic rice crop grown in Australia.
A family-owned business for 40 years, Pureharvest has grown over the years and are very proud to be in the position to employ around 150 people in Drouin – a small town in regional Victoria's West Gippsland region. "We're always keen to grow the business," said John, "but more importantly, we're all about community."
South Food Group
South Food Group's Managing Director, Carmine Ventura is looking forward to launching a new digital campaign to grow their business, thanks to receiving a Global Gateway grant.
“From an export point of view Global Victoria has assisted us and really given us that kickstart to go to market – we couldn’t be happier to be working with Global Victoria.” Carmine Ventura Managing Director for South Food Group
South Food Group specialise in meat products for the retail and food service industry, throughout the Asia Pacific region.
A family-owned business, the company produces premium products inspired by their European heritage, delivering authentic flavours to their consumers. With over five different brands, South Food Group's products range from prosciutto, salami, ham, bacon, and specialty snack foods.
Video: Global Gateway Success Story: Max Biocare
Max Biocare
The Global Gateway Grant has been instrumental in gaining interest from the Singapore market for Victorian company, Max Biocare.
Committed to helping people live happier and healthier lives, their health product range for men, women and children is available worldwide in Asia, Europe and Australia.
Video: Global Gateway Success Story: Max Biocare
“The Victorian Government has been very generous and supportive in recognising businesses like Max Biocare.” Dr George Thouas Head of Research and Development at Max Biocare
At Max Biocare, research and development is a critical stage in the design of formulation of their evidence-based complementary medicines. They use a range of patented, pharmaceutical grade and clinically trailed ingredients in their complex formulations, and partner with leading universities and hospitals worldwide, to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of these preparations.
Max Biocare's philosophy of being inspired by nature and backed by science forms the foundation for their supplements and health and wellbeing products.
Brown Family Wine Group
The Global Gateway Grant has been pivotal to the success of Brown Brothers in building their brand awareness in the Singapore market.
Video: Global Gateway Success Story: Brown Family Wine Group
The grant has enabled them to fast-track investment into Singapore, which is a priority market for them. The project also includes some consumer facing activity such as a new digital and social media advertising campaign across many platforms and engaging with market influencers.
“The Global Gateway Grant has really helped to put Brown Brothers on the global stage, and that is worth celebrating.” Ellie Vince Chief Marketing Officer for Brown Brothers Family Wine Group
Even early in the Global Gateway project there has been significant gains and outcomes by building a relationship and collaboration with a distributor in Singapore. Brown Brothers is one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine companies with experience in crafting wine since 1889. They are a fourth generations of family involvement in our business, and we are proud of our local Milawa heritage. While heritage is at the heart of our brand, we are far from a traditional wine company.
They have established a reputation as a winery that challenges the status quo by developing new grape varieties and partnering with the CSIRO to support ongoing viticulture research.
Other Global Victoria programs and initiatives
In addition to the Global Gateway program, Global Victoria offers a range of dedicated support and resources to help you succeed on your export journey.
- Whether you’re looking at entering new markets or diversifying, Go Global can help your business achieve its goals by identifying gaps in capabilities and recommending the next steps for your export journey.
- The Export Skills Program provides online training and seminars as well as local and international workshops and briefings on specialist and topical themes essential for international trading success.
- Visit our regional insights page to read current market updates, and watch our in-country insights video series from our global network of Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices, highlighting export opportunities across a range of sectors.
- The Victorian eCommerce Network (VeN) offers Victorian businesses an opportunity to connect, collaborate and share knowledge with other like-minded businesses interested in taking advantage of global eCommerce opportunities.
- Explore our upcoming virtual trade missions which play an important role in supporting your business expand its global possibilities with international markets.
- Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, Globally Connected.