Grants and Assistance Available
The information on this page is updated regularly. However, there may be some grants and programs that have expired or changed recently. We recommend contacting the relevant agency for further information about the grant.
The majority of grants and programs available to small businesses in Western Australia include, but are not limited to:
- Starting a business
- Business development
- Environment and sustainability
- Regional assistance programs
- Exporting
- Indigenous business development
- Industry focus and support
- Information and communication technology
- Innovation and commercialisation
- Research and development
- Generally useful grants information
Starting a business
- The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) assists eligible job seekers who have an idea for a viable new small business to establish their self-employment venture. It provides access to training in small business management, a 12-month NEIS financial allowance, business advice and mentor support.
- Australian Workplace - Federal program.
Business development
- The Employment Assistance Fund helps people with disability and mental health condition by providing financial assistance to purchase a range of work related modifications and services for people who are about to start a job or who are currently working, as well as those who require assistance to find and prepare for work.
- Recruitment agencies may also apply for reimbursement of Auslan interpreting that they provide for a job interview.
- Employers, people with disability and employment service providers may apply for assistance by completing an on-line Employment Assistance Fund application form.
- The Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) program provides import duty concessions on certain imported raw materials, intermediate goods as well as prescribed metal materials and goods.
- AusIndustry - Federal program.
- Designed to support creative start-up businesses and innovative small business projects with up to $2000 funding, the City of Perth Small Business Grants are available to all city-based entrepreneurs and small businesses looking at undertaking unique or innovative projects, that provide a clear economic benefit to the city.
- Applications will be accepted from Friday 1 July 2012 and will remain open until all funds have been allocated. Please note that limited funding is available and applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis.
- Successful applicants under the Small Business Grants will be required to acquit all funds by 30 June 2013.
- Download the Small Business Grants Information Kit (PDF)
- Download the Small Business Grants Application Kit (PDF)
- The City of Perth Matched Funding Grants provide businesses with funding of up to $20 000 on a dollar for dollar basis. This program focuses on supporting the knowledge-based industries and business projects that improve the vitality and vibrancy of the city and in particular, those projects that activate underutilised spaces within the city.
- Request an application form now from the City of Perth Economic Development Unit by calling (08) 9461 3414 or via email at ecodev@cityofperth.wa.gov.au . Submit your application between NOW until the 25 July 2012; successful applicants will be announced 29 August 2012.
- The City of Perth is especially eager to receive applications for projects that improve Perth's creative industries and from businesses that activate many of the city's forgotten spaces, such as premises in laneways, upper floors, basements or other underutilised buildings.
- Successful projects under the Matched Funding Business Grants must acquit all funding by 28 June 2013.
- Download the Matched Funding Business Grants 2012/13 Information Kit (pdf 780kb)
- *Matched Funding Business Grants Application form available on request.
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Environment and sustainability
- Community based groups, local interest groups, environmental groups and individuals are encouraged to apply for the Community Grants Scheme, which offers support of up to $20,000 for the development of projects that address recycling, waste management and environmental management issues.
- Towards Zero Waste - Western Australia.
- The Farm Water Rebate Scheme provides funding for eligible projects that aim to reduce the problems created by water supply deficiencies on farms in the dry land agricultural areas of Western Australia.
- Department of Water - Western Australia.
- Business and industry, local government, community groups and individuals are encouraged to apply for Strategic Waste Initiatives Scheme funding which will be provided for initiatives that are consistent with the Statement of Strategic Direction for Waste Management in Western Australia and the Waste Authority's Priority Areas for Funding being organics, construction and demolition of waste recovery and recycling, plastics, used tyres and household hazardous waste.
- Towards Zero Waste - Western Australia.
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Regional assistance programs
- Royalties for Regions provides investment in projects, infrastructure and community services and is distributed through:
- The Cantry Local Government Fund
- The Regional Community Services Fund
- The Regional Infrastructure and Headworks fund (including the Regional Grants Scheme)
- The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFPIPP) aims to boost the productivity and competitiveness of Australia's regional food and seafood industries through innovation and technology improvements.
- Under the program, matching fund grants between $50,000 and $2 million are available to undertake projects based around: the design and implementation of new technologies, production or processing techniques; the implementation of food production or processing technologies developed overseas; and the innovative redesign of existing production/processing lines to improve efficiencies and productivity.
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Federal program.
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Exporting
- The Export Market Development Grant Scheme provides assistance to small and medium Australian exporters committed to, and capable of, seeking out and developing export business by repaying part of their promotional expenses. Applicants may qualify for up to 50 per cent reimbursement of eligible export marketing expenses above $15,000 pa to a maximum of eight grants. Up to $200,000 pa may be reimbursed.
- Austrade - Federal program.
- The Tradex Scheme provides relief to persons or organisations via an up-front exemption from Customs duty and GST on imported goods intended for re-export or to be used as inputs to exports. The Scheme removes the need to 'drawback' these charges after export.
- AusIndustry - Federal program.
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Indigenous business development
- The Indigenous Arts Grant Program is open to Indigenous arts activity in all art form areas (excluding film, television and radio). The program supports Indigenous Cultural maintenance and the professional development of Indigenous artists in WA.
- For details on who can apply for a grant and which kinds of projects are eligible, please see the general eligibility requirements.
- For further details contact the Indigenous Arts Project Officer, Michelle Broun on (08) 9224 7316, Freecall 1800 199 090 (Country WA callers only) or by email.
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Industry focus and support
- Artflight supports West Australian artists and arts workers to attend events at short notice that have strategic significance to the development or promotion of their arts practice or profession.
- Department of Culture and the Arts - Western Australia.
- Through collaborative projects, the Farm Ready Industry Grants program aims to improve the capacity of agriculture, fishing and forestry industry organisations, natural resource management groups and producer groups to increase their industries' self reliance and preparedness to adapt to climate change and climate variability.
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Federal program.
- The Industry Facilitation and Support Program is for small to medium sized enterprises in the manufacturing or services sector looking to supply or increase supply to major resource project
- The IFSP is looking to provide your business with dollar-for-dollar financial assistance of up to $25000 through the Industry Facilitation and Support Program.
- It's a simple and short application process, with departmental staff available for application consultation. For more information email industry.participation@commerce.wa.gov.au or visit the Department of Commerce
- The Department of Transport offers a range of incentives to help get new multi-purpose taxis on the road, because multi-purpose taxi operators provide an invaluable service for people with disabilities.
- Department of Transport - Western Australia
- The Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program(RFPIPP) aims to boost the productivity and competitiveness of Australia's regional food and seafood industries through innovation and technology improvements.
- Under the program, matching fund grants between $50,000 and $2 million are available to undertake projects based around: the design and implementation of new technologies, production or processing techniques; the implementation of food production or processing technologies developed overseas; and the innovative redesign of existing production/processing lines to improve efficiencies and productivity.
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Federal program.
- The TCF Coporatewear Register allows employers to register non-compulsory occupational clothing, thereby avoiding liability for FBT and allowing employees to claim the cost of such clothing as a tax deduction.
- AusIndustry - Federal program.
Information and Communication Technology
- The purpose of the Satellite Mobile Phone Scheme is to distribute grants to individuals, small businesses and community groups through a third party for the purpose of purchasing a satellite phone. The objective of the scheme is to provide people in remote areas with a mobile phone service in areas where there will never be any standard terrestrial phone service. A grant payment is made to phone dealers who are registered for the scheme for each new satellite mobile phone sold to an eligible purchaser. The current grant is set at $1,000 including GST.
- Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy - Federal program.
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Innovation and commercialisation
Innovation Vouchers Program
- Providing a financial boost of up to $20,000 to SME's with a great idea to access professional skills, services or knowledge that will enable them to advance their idea or commercial activity in WA
- Check with the Office of Innovation at Department of Commerce for availability of funds.
- TechFast links established, technology-receptive small to medium enterprises that have a track record in their sector, and are ready to grow with relevant innovative technologies (or know-how) developed by research organisations. TechFast provides hands-on advice, funding and support to facilitate the transfer of the technology to the benefit of both parties.
- The TechFast program is funded by Australian and state governments. The program also benefits from significant support from various industry associations, the research sector and other service providers across the country.
- Commercialisation Australia is an Australian government initiative providing innovators and researchers with access to skills and knowledge, grants to test the commercial viability of a new product, process or service and repayable grants to enable the product, process or service to be taken to market. (Federal program)
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Research and development
- The Australian Growth Partnerships(AGP) program is funded by the Federal Government through CSIRO to enable collaborations between high potential small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and CSIRO. AGP provides the capital required to deliver targeted research and development capabilities for SMEs, allowing them to accelerate their growth in high impact industries. AGP is not a granting program. AGP will target a return on investment on its capital.
- CSIRO - Federal program.
- The Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation funds projects within four core areas: sustainability and environmental management, timber structural/building systems, process and new product development, and plantation and regrowth timber. Research funds are invested in both growing and processing areas.
- Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is a not for profit company that operates within the rules and laws set by a Constitution, the Corporations Act of 2001(Cth), and a Statutory Funding Deed with the Australian Government.
- The Horticulture Australia program provides funding, on a dollar for dollar basis, for projects which focus on experimentation, analysis and the application of knowledge in the fields of science and technology, marketing and economics.
- Horticulture Australia
- The R&D Tax Concession is a broad-based, market driven tax concession which allows companies to deduct up to 125% of qualifying expenditure incurred on research and development activities when lodging their corporate tax return. A 175% Incremental (Premium) Tax Concession and R&D Tax Offset are also available in certain circumstances.
- AusIndustry - Federal tax concession.
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Generally useful grants information
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