I am very proud to welcome the launch of a new funding program, aimed specifically at assisting small businesses in Western Australia grow.
Despite the SBDC’s excellent reputation for delivering funding relief during times of crisis, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the creation of the Small Business Growth Grants program marks the first time in the SBDC’s 41 year history that we’ve been able to offer a funding initiative specifically focused on supporting the growth of established WA small businesses.
The program, which is in the form of a matched voucher of up to $10,000, is designed to support businesses that have already built a strong foundation through their first 18 months or more of operation and are ready to grow. The next step often involves seeking support beyond the business to access specific expertise, which is what the Small Business Growth Grant program is designed to fund.
Services that are eligible for funding support under the program range from strategic business planning, to workforce plans to build internal capability, ICT advice, marketing strategy to reach new customers, and more. Applicants will be encouraged to seek such services from other WA small businesses, delivering further benefits into the WA economy.
While start-ups and new ventures can command a lot of attention in the media, it’s important to remember that investing in growth is also important once a business is up and running. When you operate in a dynamic environment with shifting customer expectations and new competition, standing still isn’t really an option.
This is why this program, funded by the WA Government as part of the Made in WA plan, focuses on growth. It demonstrates the importance our state places on the nearly quarter of a million small businesses that contribute to our economy and communities every day. It will help businesses that are ready to innovate, transform and build to invest in long term success.
If you are a WA small business owner who has moved through your establishment stage and is thinking about the next phase of growth, I strongly encourage you to apply for this program to meet half the cost of your next business investment.
My team has created a range of resources to help you understand what the Small Business Growth Grants can support, and to help you understand the eligibility and application process. Learn more and apply on our website smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/growth
Saj Abdoolakhan
Small Business Commissioner
