Small Business Development
The Department of Industry and Resources supports small to medium business enterprises through strategy development and the delivery of programs attuned to emerging industry sectors: biotechnology; information and communications technology; marine and defence; and science and innovation. The Department offers business mentoring and support in export development among other services.
Programs and Funding Grants
Grants Directory
The Department of Local Government and Regional Development (DLGRD) manages a Grants Directory - a compilation of grants and other assistance programs available to communities and local governments in regional and metropolitan Western Australia.
The Directory contains programs provided by the Western Australian and Australian Governments as well as private sector organisations.
Refer to Related Links.
Small Business Field Officers
Part of the Australian Government’s Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business Program, small business field officers foster the growth of small businesses across Australia by improving their capacity to access information and advice on Australian Government, State and Territory programs, services and information, as well as local small business issues such as regulatory requirements.
Small Business Field Officers deliver free general advisory services to small businesses who want to know where and how to access relevant information and support on topics such as business diversification, preparing for export, home-based business, e-commerce, taxation and finance.
The availability of this one-stop service allows local businesses immediate and direct access to the full range of government assistance programs and information.
Further information can be obtained from AusIndustry, including a Western Australian contacts list.
Small Business Development Corporation
The Small Business Development Corporation (http://www.sbdc.com.au/) provides independent guidance and information to existing and/or intending small business owners and through innovative programs to assist small business.
Small Business Centres
Small business centres are located in city and country areas across Western Australia. The centres offer free assistance and support to new and existing businesses through the following services:
- Free practical business assistance
- Referral to specialist advisers (e.g. accountants, lawyers)
- Assistance with approvals and regulations
- Business workshops
- Business information
- Problem solving
