A new partnership between the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Microsoft will support Australian software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses with their expansion into US markets.
Called the Go Global program, it will be provided free of cost to an exclusive cohort of Australian software businesses from Microsoft Australia’s 9000 partners keen to expand their operations. Selected partners in the first cohor include passport 360, Daltrey, and WithYouWithMe.
“We’re thrilled to invest in and support our SaaS partners with high growth potential alongside Austrade,” said Vanessa Sorenson, chief partner officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.
“The Microsoft Austrade Go Global program will help them bring products and services to the world, build their business and scale geographically in a fiercely competitive marketplace.
“The economic and trading relationship between Australia and the US is recognised as one of the closest, broadest and mutually compatible relationships in the world. Our countries share similar economic and regulatory settings, and we know our partners have a desire to enter the US market.”
The expansion will support pre-departure services such as technology-intensive workshops, trade and export workshops, and business mentoring, and in-market support through Austrade’s Landing Pads. Participants will receive bootcamps on fundraising, sales, and marketing in the US; access to coworking space and office facilities for 3 months; and one-on-one assistance from entrepreneurs in residence and a dedicated Landing Pad manager.
The program is set to commence in September 2022 and upon completion, will likely expand to other international markets.
Xavier Simone, Austrade Chief Executive Officer, believes the collaboration will help some of Australian’s most promising SaaS businesses prepare for successful global expansion.
“Landing Pads provide market-ready Australian technology businesses with access to some of the world’s most renowned innovation hubs including San Francisco, New York, Tel Aviv, Shanghai, London, and Singapore,” he noted.
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