California Trade Mission to Australia

Overview

Join GO-Biz in Melbourne for a targeted trade mission anchored at AFAC 2026 (August 18–21)—Australasia’s leading emergency management and first responder’s event. This program is built for export-ready California companies looking to break into the Australian market, build partnerships, and position their solutions in one of the world’s most advanced ecosystems for wildfire response and climate resilience.

 

Key Details

• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Dates: August 18–21
• Program Size: ~ 6–10 companies
• Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 (or until spots are filled)

 

Why Australia?

Australia is actively investing in solutions to address wildfire risk, climate adaptation, and emergency response, creating strong demand for innovative technologies.

 

This mission gives you direct access to a market that is:

• Highly aligned with California’s climate and resilience priorities
• Actively seeking advanced solutions and partnerships
• Open to pilot projects and international collaboration

 

What You’ll Gain

This mission is designed to help you move beyond exploration and into real commercial traction:

• Meet the Right Buyers – Pre-arranged meetings with Australian decision-makers across government, industry, and utilities
• Validate Your Market Fit – Test your solution directly with end users facing similar climate and wildfire challenges
• Build Strategic Partnerships – Connect with distributors, integrators, and in-market partners
• Explore Pilot Opportunities – Identify pathways to deploy and demonstrate your technology
• Gain Market Intelligence – Understand Australia’s policy landscape, procurement pathways, and demand drivers

 

Who Should Participate

This mission is ideal for California companies in:

• Wildfire mitigation and response technologies
• Emergency communications and interoperability
• AI, sensors, and situational awareness
• Aviation, UAVs, robotics, and logistics
• Training, simulation, and responder safety
• Climate risk modeling and early warning systems

 

Program Highlights

A curated, five-day program designed to maximize your time and outcomes:

• AFAC 2026 Participation – Engage directly with Australia’s emergency management ecosystem
• Tailored B2B Meetings – 6–8 pre-qualified meetings aligned to your business goals
• Strategic Site Visits – See real-world applications and meet key operators
• Market Briefings – Get up to speed on opportunities, regulations, and market dynamics
• High-Value Networking – Connect with government agencies, industry leaders, and research institutions

 

Expected Outcomes

Walk away with tangible next steps to grow your business:

• Qualified leads and partnership opportunities
• A pipeline for pilots and in-market deployment
• Clear market entry pathways and partner connections
• Increased visibility at a premier global industry event

 

Participation Fee:

·       $2,000 USD (small business <$5M revenue)

·       $4,000 USD (medium business $5M-$50M revenue)

·       $6,000 USD (large business >$50M revenue)

·       Inquire for sponsorship opportunities

What’s Included

• Pre-mission consultation and market preparation
• 6–8 customized B2B meetings with vetted Australian partners
• In-market briefings and on-the-ground support
• Access to AFAC 2026 CA Pavilion Meeting Point
• Site visit coordination (1 included; additional optional)
• Post-mission follow-up support and next-step guidance
• AFAC exhibitor booth or registration fees (if applicable)

 

What’s Not Included

• Airfare and accommodation
• Ground transportation and meals outside of group programming
• Optional additional site visits or add-on services

 

Apply to Join the Delegation

Take your business global—apply today. GO-Biz is now accepting applications for a limited cohort of California companies to join this highly curated trade mission.

 

Apply Now:

·       Register your interest at https://step.business.ca.gov/

·       Select Application Type: Event Application

·       Then select “Australia 2026 Trade Mission” from event list

·       Note, submission of your application does not constitute acceptance into the program.

·       Company participation fee will be collected after your application is reviewed and approved.

·       Find the flyer here.

Questions? Contact: Diana Dominguez | Diana.Dominguez@gobiz.ca.gov

 

About GO-Biz

The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the state’s lead entity for economic development, supporting business growth, exports, and foreign investment. GO-Biz provides no-cost, confidential services to help companies expand globally, including market entry support, connections to international partners, and access to state resources and incentives.

 

About Foley & Associates

Foley & Associates is an international trade and investment advisory firm with over 20 years of experience supporting global market expansion. With deep networks across Australia and New Zealand, Foley has helped more than 3,000 organizations successfully enter and grow in-market. For this mission, Foley will deliver tailored business matchmaking, in-market support, and strategic guidance to ensure participating companies achieve meaningful commercial outcomes.
https://www.foley.com.au/