Enterprise Support Program grants now open to WA Agri-Businesses

Friday, 2 July 2021 12:30

By Marion Print

A $3.8 million competitive grant is now open for applications from Western Australian agri-businesses, enterprises and entrepreneurs.

It is open to groups seeking to accelerate their business and product development and deliver projects that support the scaleup of the state’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.

The Enterprise Support Program, a partnership between the Shire of Murray, DevelopmentWA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, offers up to $200K in dollar for dollar co-funding.

As an initiative of the Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct, the funding will enable industry to pursue commercial research and development projects through the Precinct including commercialisation of new ag-technology, business development opportunities, product development and value-adding, adopting innovation, enabling market access and increasing local capabilities and efficiencies.

Funding can also be used to purchase specialty equipment to drive innovation, diversification and business development and to access Precinct facilities including hiring research labs and leasing common user storage and workspaces.

Shire of Murray Chief Executive Officer Mr. Dean Unsworth said the Enterprise Support Program opens the door to the opportunities on offer through the state’s centre of excellence for food innovation.

“It will scale up small-medium enterprise and enhance export capability and will create new opportunities for value-adding and food processing and manufacturing, to transform the Western Australian industry, deliver jobs and economic benefit.” he said.

The program will be delivered in two phases with a $1.3M funding round currently open and a $2.5M round to be activated in quarter three and four of 2021.

Applications can be submitted at any time during the year.

Assessments will be made toward the end of each quarter with funding awarded in readiness for the Precinct’s opening mid-2022.

For further information and to apply visit the Shire's website or email wafip@murray.wa.gov.au.