South-West small businesses with links to the native forest industry will be able to apply for a grant of up to $400,000 through the McGowan Government’s Small Business Development and Diversification program from 4 November.
The $15 million program – which opens this Friday – is designed to assist secondary businesses that have a reliance on the native timber industry but do not have a direct contract with the Forest Products Commission.
Grants provided through the program will help businesses remain open, diversify, or expand into new business streams.
The Small Business Development and Diversification program is part of the Industry and Community Development Programs, which are the third and final pillar of the Western Australian Government’s $80 million Native Forestry Transition plan.
Funded by an additional $30 million announced in the 2022-23 State Budget, the Industry and Community Development Programs also include:
- $10 million New Industry Development Grants program
- $4 million Community Small Grants Fund program
- $1 million Closure of Impacted Businesses program
The programs were developed in consultation with the Native Forestry Transition Group, local government authorities, the Forest Industries Federation of WA, the Australian Workers’ Union, and Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Since September 2021, the WA Government has committed $80 million to support the transition of workers, businesses, and communities linked to the native forest industry.
The WA Government has also invested a record $350 million in new softwood plantations across the South-West, which will create and support WA forestry jobs.
The decision to end native forest logging from 2024 will preserve an additional 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah, and wandoo forests – protecting them for future generations.
Applications for the Small Business Development and Diversification program close 31 January 2023.
For more information regarding the Small Business Development and Diversification program including how to apply, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/industry-and-community-development-programs
As stated by Forestry Minister Dave Kelly:
“We know that support for small businesses is one of the best ways we can help make sure South-West communities continue to grow and prosper into the future.
“I encourage all eligible South-West small businesses to apply for a grant through the WA Government’s $15 million Small Business Development and Diversification program.
“Not only are we helping small businesses linked to the native forest industry stay open, we are supporting them to diversify, expand and innovate.”
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
“These grants will support our business community through this transition, and ensure our towns’ local economies remain robust.
“This is an opportunity for small business to expand, re-invigorate, and thrive while helping to create more jobs in our region.
“I know many people are excited about the opportunity these grants present for their businesses.
“I’m proud of the assistance we are providing to local business and encourage those eligible to apply.”
