- Regional Aboriginal small and medium businesses invited to apply for funding through new Local Capability Fund (LCF) round
- Up to $20,000 available for eligible businesses seeking to be involved in public and private sector markets
- Initiative follows the recent commencement of the McGowan Labor Government's Aboriginal Procurement Policy
- Opportunity to enhance businesses to create jobs and diversify the economy
The McGowan Labor Government will provide eligible regionally-based Aboriginal businesses with up to $20,000 in funding to assist them to secure procurement opportunities in the public and private sectors.
The 'Regional Aboriginal Business' round will focus on helping competitive Aboriginal businesses that are seeking to better prepare to participate as suppliers of products, services and works to Western Australian State or Local Government agencies, Federal Government and the private sector.
Applicants are encouraged to seize this opportunity to enhance their businesses with a view to ongoing growth, future job creation and the diversification of regional economies.
The funding will include assistance for Aboriginal businesses to meet essential pre-qualification requirements for supply-chain entry, purchase and upgrade of essential equipment, consultancy engagements related to a range of expertise including occupational health and safety, marketing and finance amongst other eligible activities.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced the round at the 11th WA Industry Link Regional Roadshow in Broome which was hosted by the Kimberley Development Commission, with representation by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The round is open until 31 December 2018 and is an addition to the existing LCF 'Western Australian Industry Participation Strategy (WAIPS)' round.
For more information, visit http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/local-capability-fund or
https://industrylink.wa.gov.au/advisory-services/services-to-businesses-sub-contractors/advice-programs-to-build-capability
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"A key part of our Plan for Jobs was the introduction of an Aboriginal Procurement Policy, which was launched on July 1, 2018.
"The Regional Aboriginal Business round aims to increase the number of State Government contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses.
"The recently appointed Local Content Advisers across the State will be a major contact point and delivery partner for this exclusively Aboriginal business-focussed round."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This initiative will grow opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to create jobs and diversify regional economies.
"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting regional Western Australia by capturing opportunities to drive economic growth and jobs.
"We will not reach out full potential in regional Western Australia without this kind of deep engagement with Aboriginal communities and business."
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"This funding will help Aboriginal businesses in the regions maximise their opportunities to win government work and support the Government to achieve its Aboriginal procurement targets.
"The Local Capability Fund will complement other funding the McGowan Government has allocated to support capability building for the Aboriginal business sector, and ensures those regional businesses can continue to support their local economies."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6200
Aboriginal Affairs Minister's office - 6552 5900
