Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
Northern Territory Government department that drives investment, trade, business development, workforce migration, and Asian market engagement for Territory enterprises, exporters, and remote communities across the NT.
- Company typePublic
- Founded-
- HeadquartersDarwin, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations does
The Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR) is a Northern Territory Government department headquartered in Darwin with regional operations across Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Tennant Creek. It serves as the NT Government's primary instrument for driving investment attraction, trade facilitation, business development, workforce migration, and Asian economic relations. Its core constituency is the Territory's small and medium enterprise base — 99% of NT enterprises — alongside investors, exporters, workforce-shortage employers, remote community stores, maritime operators, and incorporated associations.
The department delivers a portfolio of programs and services rather than commercial products. Key offerings include the Territory Growth Initiative (capital support for high-growth businesses), the Global Trade Scheme (export capability funding), the Safer Business Grant (matched security funding up to $10,000), the NT DAMA III Designated Area Migration Agreement and PALM scheme (overseas worker sponsorship), the Asia Literacy Uplift Program with Asialink Business, the Darwin Innovation Hub (co-working, mentorship, research commercialisation), the WorkerConnect digital jobs board (900+ employers, 16,000+ jobseekers, 1M+ monthly searches), the Global Worker Attraction Program, and the 33-year-old Northern Territory Export and Business Awards. Sector development programs target Digital, Drones, Maritime, Space, Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and Waste and Recycling. The department administers statutory boards including the Agents Licensing Board and Procurement Appeals Board.
DTBAR is funded through Northern Territory Government public appropriations rather than commercial revenue. Services are delivered free of charge through Territory Business Centres, a regional Business Advisor network, the Territory Business Hotline (1800 193 111), the dtbar.nt.gov.au website, and digital platforms (WorkerConnect, GrantsNT). The department's leadership team comprises CEO Hayley Richards, Deputy CEO Trade Investment and Opportunities Kelly Ralston, and three general managers overseeing Business and Regions, Policy Strategy and Insights, and Corporate Services. It operates under Minister Hon Robyn Cahill, MLA, as part of the Northern Territory Government of Australia.
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
- Legal name
- Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
- Website
- https://dtbar.nt.gov.au
- Company type
- Public
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Northern Territory Government department that drives investment, trade, business development, workforce migration, and Asian market engagement for Territory enterprises, exporters, and remote communities across the NT.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Government Business Development Services
- NAICS
- Administration of Economic Programs (9261), National Security and International Affairs (928), Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (926150)
- SIC
- International Affairs (9721), Services-Management Services (8741)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Regional Economic Integration & Economic Corridors (BPADAMAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Trade, Export Controls & Customs Compliance (BPAHAFAN), Trade Facilitation, Customs & Border Regulatory Cooperation (BPADANAG), Development Cooperation & Foreign Aid Administration (BPAIAIAG)
Keywords
Where Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Darwin
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices3 records
Markets served
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Territory Growth Initiative: Financial support program for eligible high-growth potential businesses to help establish or expand operations and for projects that may not otherwise readily access capital in the Northern Territory. Aims to build skilled workforce, support business growth, unlock economic activity and accelerate enabling infrastructure-led projects.
- Global Trade Scheme: Helps eligible Northern Territory businesses set up or expand their exporting capabilities through financial assistance.
- Safer Business Grant: Matched funding through 50:50 co-contribution arrangement - up to $10,000 for fixed commercial premises and up to $2,500 for eligible mobile businesses. Part of $4.4 million Safer Business, Stronger Economy and Better Lifestyle Package.
- Resupply Support Grant: Freight subsidy for declared community stores to resupply remote communities during wet season disruptions. Covers air, barge or road freight costs for essential goods to maintain food security.
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is a Northern Territory Government department that drives investment attraction, trade facilitation, and workforce development for Territory businesses. It delivers grant programs (Territory Growth Initiative, Safer Business Grant, Global Trade Scheme), migration and labor programs (NT DAMA III, PALM Scheme), the Darwin Innovation Hub, the Asia Literacy Uplift Program, sector development across Digital, Drones, Maritime, Space, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and business advisory services through Territory Business Centres.
Product overview
The Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is a Northern Territory Government department focused on driving investment and trade opportunities through international engagement and workforce development. The department offers a portfolio of programs and services including the Darwin Innovation Hub (co-working and innovation ecosystem), the NT DAMA III and PALM schemes (migration and labor programs), the Asia Literacy Uplift Program, Safer Business Grant, Territory Growth Initiative, Global Trade Scheme, WorkerConnect digital jobs board, and the Northern Territory Export and Business Awards. The department also supports key industry sectors including Space, Maritime, Digital, and Drones, along with business support services through Territory Business Centres and governance support for associations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Darwin Innovation Hub: First innovation hub in the Northern Territory - a co-working space and innovation ecosystem located in Darwin's CBD
- Territory Growth Initiative (TGI)
- Asia Literacy Uplift Program
- NT DAMA III
- Safer Business Program
- Back a Territorian
- Stronger Associations Program
Products and services
- Darwin Innovation Hub A co-working space and innovation ecosystem in Darwin's CBD, partnering with Paspalis, Charles Darwin University, and AusIndustry to support start-ups with mentorship, commercialization pathways, and international connections to Asia.
- Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III) A labor agreement enabling eligible Territory businesses to sponsor overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally, with access to concessions on standard visa criteria.
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Support Information sessions and support for eligible Australian businesses to recruit workers from participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste for low to semi-skilled occupations.
- Asia Literacy Uplift Program A program delivered in partnership with Asialink Business providing practical knowledge, cultural capability and market insights to help Territory businesses build relationships and identify opportunities across Asian markets.
- Safer Business Grant A grant program providing matched 50:50 co-contribution funding up to $10,000 for fixed commercial premises and up to $2,500 for eligible mobile businesses to undertake preventive security works.
- Territory Growth Initiative (TGI) Financial support for eligible high-growth potential businesses to help establish or expand operations in the Northern Territory, with access to capital for projects that may not otherwise access funding.
- Global Trade Scheme A scheme helping eligible Northern Territory businesses set up or expand their exporting capabilities through financial assistance.
- WorkerConnect The Northern Territory's local digital jobs board - a free platform helping Territory businesses find and connect with active jobseekers, supporting over 900 employers and 16,000+ jobseekers.
- Global Worker Attraction Program An ongoing initiative to attract skilled workers to the Territory through international recruitment events in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Stronger Associations Program A program providing free governance support to Northern Territory incorporated associations, including governance health checks delivered by Matrix on Board and information sessions delivered by Treeti Business Consulting.
- Maritime Industry Development Program Programs supporting the development of the maritime industry, including the Darwin Ship Lift facility and Marine Industry Park at East Arm.
- Digital Industry Development Initiatives supporting the NT's digital sector, including information technology, telecommunications, data services, and emerging technologies such as AI, big data analytics, and cybersecurity.
- Drone Industry Development Programs advancing the Northern Territory drone industry and supporting the development and uptake of drone technologies.
- Space Industry Development Program Initiatives to grow the Territory's space industry capabilities, connecting Territory industry with the Australian and global space economy.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Initiative A feasibility study and development initiative exploring the potential for the Northern Territory to become a leader in sustainable aviation fuel development.
- Territory Business Centre Business support services providing tailored assistance to help Territory businesses grow, adapt and thrive, delivered through a network of Territory Business Advisors accessible via 1800 193 111.
- Northern Territory Export and Business Awards The Territory's most prestigious export awards program, now in its 33rd year, combining Export Awards with Business Excellence and Outstanding Customer Service Awards.
Quantifiable outcome
- Contributes 20% of national zinc ores and concentrates exports
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles8 records
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PaspaliscorePartner in Darwin Innovation Hub creation and operation. Paspalis collaborates with the department, Charles Darwin University, and AusIndustry to deliver the first innovation hub in the Northern Territory.
- Charles Darwin University (CDU)coreKey partner in Darwin Innovation Hub providing research capabilities and commercialization pathways for CDU start-ups. Partnership enables connections to international research networks including Nanyang Technological University and Oxford University Innovation.
- AusIndustrycoreFederal government partner in Darwin Innovation Hub creation. AusIndustry provides national innovation support framework and connects Territory innovators with broader Australian innovation ecosystem.
- Asialink BusinesscoreAustralia's National Centre for Asia Capability delivers the Asia Literacy Uplift Program in partnership with the department. Program provides practical knowledge, cultural capability, and market insights for Territory businesses across 6 Asian priority markets.
- Matrix on BoardminorDelivers governance health checks for the Stronger Associations program supporting NT incorporated associations with independent reviews of governance, operations, and sustainability.
- Treeti Business ConsultingminorDelivers governance information sessions for the Stronger Associations program providing practical guidance on governance fundamentals, financial management, and legislative requirements.
- Ernst and YoungminorEngaged in 2024 to undertake feasibility study into development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry in the Northern Territory. Study assessed market outlook, competitive production costs, and government intervention options.
- Land Development CorporationcoreDeveloping the Marine Industry Park at East Arm with connections to road, rail, and sea transport. The MIP offers over 100 hectares of waterfront industrial land to support marine maintenance, servicing, engineering, fabrication and logistics activities.
- Industry Capability Network NT (ICN NT)minorPartnered with NT Government to fund and publish independent industry report on economic contribution of waste and recycling sector to the Northern Territory economy.
- Waste and Recycling Industry Association (NT) (WRINT)minorReleased independent industry report identifying economic contribution of waste and recycling sector including 44 businesses, 986 jobs, and $199.5 million contribution to the NT economy.
- Nanyang Technological UniversityminorInternational research partner connected through Darwin Innovation Hub providing access to Asian innovation networks and commercialization opportunities.
- Oxford University InnovationminorInternational research partner through Darwin Innovation Hub providing connections to global research and innovation ecosystem.
- MigrationNTcoreJointly hosts NT DAMA III and PALM scheme information sessions for employers. MigrationNT provides overview of visa pathways, eligibility requirements, and application processes for the Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement.
- NT Chamber of Commerce and IndustrycoreCo-hosts employer information sessions for NT DAMA III and PALM scheme. Provides overview of PALM scheme and answers questions about employer eligibility and recruitment requirements.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves2 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Enterprise Singapore: Singapore government agency supporting enterprise development and international trade. Comparable to DTBAR's mission of helping businesses grow and access international markets, with particular overlap in Asian market engagement and trade facilitation.
- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE): New Zealand's national economic development agency focused on helping Kiwi businesses grow internationally and attracting investment. Functions similarly to DTBAR's export and investment attraction remit, but at a national level in a small advanced economy with similar geographic proximity to Asia-Pacific markets.
- Austrade (Australian Trade and Investment Commission): Australian federal government agency responsible for promoting Australian trade and investment internationally. Functions as the federal-level counterpart to DTBAR, with overlapping trade and investment attraction mandates but broader geographic and sectoral scope across all Australian states and territories.
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia): Australia's federal foreign affairs and trade ministry. Operates at the national level with responsibility for Australia's overall international relations and trade policy, of which DTBAR's Asian relations work is a sub-national extension.
Others
- Asialink Business: Australia's National Centre for Asia Capability and a strategic delivery partner of DTBAR's Asia Literacy Uplift Program. While not a direct peer, Asialink operates in adjacent Asia capability-building work and is deeply connected to DTBAR's mandate of building NT business capability for Asian market engagement.
Direct peers
- Investment NSW: NSW Government agency responsible for investment attraction, trade promotion, and industry development. Shares DTBAR's core mandate of driving business growth and international engagement, but operates at much larger scale in Australia's biggest state economy.
- Invest Tasmania: Tasmania's investment and trade attraction body — a sub-national peer of similar small-jurisdiction scale. Shares DTBAR's mandate of supporting local business growth and attracting investment to a small Australian economy with geographic isolation challenges.
- Invest Victoria (Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions): Victoria's state-level investment attraction and industry development agency. Comparable to DTBAR in mandate around driving investment, supporting business growth, and facilitating international engagement for Australian businesses in a state-level government structure.
- Trade and Investment Queensland: Queensland's state-level trade and investment attraction agency, the closest functional peer to DTBAR. Both are sub-national government bodies focused on driving export growth, attracting foreign investment, and supporting local businesses with international market engagement — operating with similar mandates in different Australian jurisdictions.
- Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (Western Australia): Western Australia's state-level department with a similar portfolio covering trade, investment, industry development, and international engagement. Comparable in mandate to DTBAR and serves as a fellow resource-rich Australian jurisdiction with strong Asian trade ties.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations social profiles
Digital presenceDepartment of Trade, Business and Asian Relations financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
What does Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations do?
The Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is a Northern Territory Government department that drives investment attraction, trade facilitation, and workforce development for Territory businesses. It delivers grant programs (Territory Growth Initiative, Safer Business Grant, Global Trade Scheme), migration and labor programs (NT DAMA III, PALM Scheme), the Darwin Innovation Hub, the Asia Literacy Uplift Program, sector development across Digital, Drones, Maritime, Space, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and business advisory services through Territory Business Centres.
Is Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations a public or private company?
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations founded?
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations based?
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is headquartered in Darwin, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Territory Growth Initiative is the primary driver. The others are global Trade Scheme, safer Business Grant and resupply Support Grant.
Who are Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Enterprise Singapore, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Austrade (Australian Trade and Investment Commission) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia). Asialink Business is listed as an others. Direct peers are Investment NSW, Invest Tasmania, Invest Victoria (Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions), Trade and Investment Queensland and Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (Western Australia).
Does Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations have an API?
No public API is recorded for Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations.
What industry is Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations in?
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations's product category is Government Business Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAMAH, Regional Economic Integration & Economic Corridors, with a secondary code of BPAHAFAN, Trade, Export Controls & Customs Compliance. Its NAICS code is 9261 and its SIC code is 9721.