Amid the shining success stories of Queensland's Go Global grant program, East West Lighting of Mackay has emerged as a beacon of innovation and international ambition.
With the program's support, this industrial lighting specialist has illuminated the way for Queensland businesses seeking to expand their reach beyond domestic borders. From humble beginnings in a challenging industry, East West Lighting has leveraged the program's funding and resources to forge a path to the global market, showcasing the state's vibrant export potential in the process.
The $750,000 funding pool will help Queensland businesses overcome common exporting barriers faced when entering new international markets, such as accreditation, logistics, product trials and packaging.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said, “It was a great achievement for Mackay-based industrial lighting specialist East West Lighting as they are proof of the success of the Go Global funding program, which has added extreme value to their business, and shows what can be achieved through programs such as this.
“Queensland businesses continue to prove their passion for their products and innovative services, and their tenacity for taking them to the world. Ongoing support and investment in our exporters is vital,” she added.
“Queensland’s goods exports are now valued at $137.2 billion.
Exporters contribute nearly a third of our annual economic output and higher-paying jobs in both regional and urban areas”.
35 businesses received match-funding grants of up to $25,000 in the latest round of Go Global grant funding delivered through Trade and Investment Queensland.
First launched in February 2020, the Go Global Export Program has provided a total of over $2.88 million to 137 applicants. Of these recipients, 61 per cent were based in regional Queensland.
“The Queensland government is investing an extra $150 million over the next decade to supercharge and deliver the 10-year Trade and Investment Strategy launched in June 2022,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“Of this $150 million, five million is allocated for grant programs such as Go Global.
Trade and Investment Queensland assists exporters and attracts investment. The dedicated business agency has 18 overseas offices in 14 key markets and a regional Queensland network.”
The LINK N LIGHT is a clever solution to safety and underground illumination that has global mining industry relevance and appeal.
CEO of East West Lighting Lance Walk said, “As an electrician working in the mines for 30 years, I created a simple, yet very important solution to the perennial problem of providing reliable lighting deep down in mines.
“The grant was essential to our ability to service both the Australian and international mining markets.”
Grants and programs currently available:
New Market program – opened 1 March, closes 5 April
Fast Track to Investment – open 31 March, closes 21 April
New to Export – opened 20 March, closes 3 April
The Go Global Export Program - next round will likely be mid July 2023
Information on all these grants programs and assistance to export visit:
Trade and Investment Queensland.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert with CEO of East West Lighting Lance Walk being shown the LINK N LIGHT underground mining lighting solution
