McGowan Government providing subsidised professional development for regional small businesses

  • WA Leaders Connect Series now open to regional small businesses
  • 90 subsidised places available for participants from WA regional towns
  • 12-month online program commences in June 2022 
  • Small businesses in Western Australia’s regions can now access a subsidised professional development program thanks to a sponsorship arrangement announced today by Small Business Minister Don Punch.

    The WA Leaders Connect Series will help regional businesses located more than 100 kilometres from Perth to identify growth opportunities, innovate and build skills by accessing the latest expertise and knowledge, and connecting to a broader business community.

    The online program offers a pipeline to key business expertise, with participants able to access knowledge and support from WA business leaders and a community of peers.

    The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is subsidising half of the total cost of the program, for up to 90 regional small businesses. A co-contribution of $500 excluding GST is required for participants to secure their place.

    Participants can complete an expression of interest for the subsidised places on the SBDC’s website here.

    The WA Leaders Connect Series program complements the SBDC’s existing State-wide network of business advisers, Business Local, which offers free support, information and low-cost business skills workshops from small business experts in regional communities.

    As stated by Small Business Minister Don Punch:

    “Regional and remote small businesses often miss out on access to the excellent range of professional development opportunities available to metropolitan-based businesses.

    “As our local businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19, it’s essential that they can access the support structures they need to focus on opportunities for growth.

    “The 90 subsidised places in the WA Leaders Connect Series, sponsored by the SBDC, will make the 12-month online business growth program accessible to those regional businesses who are looking to grow and innovate.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.