Applicants with proposals that leverage the State’s location information are encouraged to apply for Landgate’s SPUR Location Grants Program, which opened today.
The grants program will support start-up businesses that are finding innovative ways to use Western Australia’s location data.
The funding provides economic stimulus for small businesses by helping them meet the up-front costs required to expand their businesses, such as developing an app or purchasing geospatial equipment or expertise.
$25,000 in grant funding is available for up to five eligible applicants, with four General Grants for WA-based small businesses or start-ups and one First Nations Grant on offer.
Applicants for the General Grant category must show how their proposal is innovative, leverages the State’s location information and delivers value to the land sector.
The First Nations Grant category is for an applicant who can show how their project is culturally significant and uses place-based information to deliver value to the land sector.
Past recipients have represented a range of industries such as agriculture, transport and construction, and include local entrepreneurs Markr Systems. Markr Systems received a 2020 SPUR Location General Grant for its system to deliver geo-located virtual signage through a web-based content management system and a free smartphone app.
Earlier this year, Markr worked with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority to offer augmented reality experiences at Kings Park to teach visitors more about flora conservation work.
The program is supported by the State Government through Landgate, together with five partner agencies.
These agencies are the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Department of Finance, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, and the Small Business Development Corporation.
Successful applicants will be able to attend targeted information sessions with Landgate and each of the partner agencies. These sessions will provide valuable networking opportunities, an insight into how to best work with State Government, and access to data and support for six months.
The Small Business Development Corporation and Landgate will host an information session to assist potential applicants with the submission process on June 3, 2022.
Submissions for the 2022 SPUR Location Grants Program close at 5pm AWST on Sunday July 31, 2022.
To find out more, sign-up to the information session or to apply, visit the Landgate website.
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
“The SPUR Location Grants Program is a fantastic example of how the State Government is supporting innovation, diversifying the economy and creating jobs by assisting local talent to turn their ideas into reality.
“Across the world, we are seeing governments and industry leveraging place-based information to deliver significant value to their economies and communities.
“The SPUR Location Grants Program is helping to ensure Western Australia is positioned to explore opportunities using location information to add value to the State.”
