Regional Queensland businesses that are export-ready are being encouraged to get involved in the Go Global Export Program which has so far helped 36 businesses break into new markets.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the latest round of Go Global was now open with $500,000 in funding grants available to help businesses overcome exporting barriers as part of Queensland's economic recovery.
"There is no denying that the global pandemic has led to much weaker international trade and investment activity which has been devastating to economies and jobs," the Premier said.
"But despite these challenging times, I'm so proud that our export-ready Queensland businesses are still out there innovating and giving it a go.
"I'm also proud we're able to be right there beside them helping along the way.
"Last year between July and December 2020, Queensland exporters, including many from regional centres, have been able to achieve global trade and investment outcomes of almost $600 million.
"And as the pandemic continues, our dedicated global business agency – Trade and Investment Queensland - continues to assist Queensland companies to respond to the ongoing challenges through programs like this."
The Premier said the Go Global Export Program, first launched by TIQ in February last year, has already provided more than $700,000 in matched-funding grants to 36 business that have gone on to achieve global success.
"We've committed a further $1 million towards this important program that gives Queensland businesses the chance to take their products to the world with $500,000 available in this latest round," the Premier said.
Sunshine Coast-based business Process Plants International (PPI), which provides integrated services to global resources and commodities companies, was among those to have secured new overseas deals as a direct result of receiving Go Global funding.
Director Adam Hamer said the company was transformed as a result of the funding, signing a $6 million deal with an international gold mining company to manufacture a new type of valve – the company's first venture into valve manufacturing.
"We were able to manufacture it ourselves rather than modify someone else's and it's given us some great lessons around what we can do locally," Mr Hamer said.
"The Go Global funding gave us valuable support to design, manufacture and supply a new type of valve to a new client which has opened up a new market.
"Initially we had thought the project was cost negative for us and that could not sustain a venture into this area. By securing funding we could move forward confidently and invest in the product development, particularly during such an unsure time as 2020.
"The program is useful for any exporter looking at new markets and looking for support to finalise those arrangements."
Gold Coast business Virtual Psychologist is another company which secured new overseas deals as a direct result of receiving Go Global funding.
The text-based counselling service signed a contract with the Philippines' largest mobile network provider after using the funding to customise their platform for delivery in the Tagalog language and to resolve legal and data-security requirements.
Virtual Psychologist founder Dervla Loughnane said the company would initially provide counselling services to Globe Telecom's staff, with potential to reach more than 100 million people in the future and creating new jobs in Queensland.
"We have six Queensland-based psychologists who are part of the pilot program with Globe Telecom, plus a team of five IT specialists on the Gold Coast who are supporting our platform for the Philippines' work.
"If we continue and expand the project as Globe Telecom is suggesting, we envisage employing 20 to 30 mental health professionals and a dedicated IT team based in Queensland."
Virtual Psychologist has been recognised as a leading e-therapy provider in Australia during recent crises, providing accessible, high-quality counselling to people in rural and remote areas, such as bushfire survivors and farmers experiencing drought.
Applications are open now for the next round of Go Global funding. To apply visit tiq.qld.gov.au/goglobal
