Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations

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.

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

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 industry

PRIMARYBPADAMAH

Regional Economic Integration & Economic Corridors

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Trade & Economic Development

SECONDARYBPAHAFAN

Trade, Export Controls & Customs Compliance

Business & Public Services/Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)/Risk, Compliance & Governance Advisory

SECONDARYBPADANAG

Trade Facilitation, Customs & Border Regulatory Cooperation

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Standards, Policy & Regulatory Cooperation

SECONDARYBPAIAIAG

Development Cooperation & Foreign Aid Administration

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Foreign Affairs & Diplomatic Services

Keywords

• Government business development
• Trade and investment facilitation
• Workforce migration programs
• Industry grants funding
• Asia market engagement

Headquarters

HQ city

Darwin

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. Global Trade Scheme: Helps eligible Northern Territory businesses set up or expand their exporting capabilities through financial assistance.
3. 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.
4. 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

Core 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

Named customers2 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PaspaliscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey 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.
• AusIndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal government partner in Darwin Innovation Hub creation. AusIndustry provides national innovation support framework and connects Territory innovators with broader Australian innovation ecosystem.
• Asialink BusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralia'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 BoardminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDelivers governance health checks for the Stronger Associations program supporting NT incorporated associations with independent reviews of governance, operations, and sustainability.
• Treeti Business ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDelivers governance information sessions for the Stronger Associations program providing practical guidance on governance fundamentals, financial management, and legislative requirements.
• Ernst and YoungminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngaged 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 CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloping 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)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered 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)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReleased 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 UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research partner connected through Darwin Innovation Hub providing access to Asian innovation networks and commercialization opportunities.
• Oxford University InnovationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research partner through Darwin Innovation Hub providing connections to global research and innovation ecosystem.
• MigrationNTcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJointly 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 IndustrycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-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

Broad 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

• Facebookfacebook.com/BusinessNTG
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/businessnt

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations