The Western Australian Government has launched a $200,000 investment as part of the latest round of Defence Ready Initiative grants, which aims to help local businesses enhance their capabilities and meet Defence requirements.
Businesses can receive funding that will shoulder up to 50 per cent of their project’s total costs, up to a maximum of $20,000.
Funding can be used for planning and business advice to improve internal infrastructure and systems, train employees, or buy and upgrade essential equipment.
Businesses can also use the grant to cover expenses associated with meeting essential pre-qualification requirements for supply chain entry, including those related to meeting Defence security standards.
The Defence Ready Initiative aims to boost the Western Australian government’s efforts to establish the defence sector as a key pillar of the Western Australian economy and help local businesses to become more competitive in bids to win defence work.
Launched in 2020, the grants program has provided support to 22 companies from various industries including ship maintenance and security services.
Among the recipients of the grant is a Perth-based satellite communications antenna company, which successfully obtained defence security accreditation and entered the supply chain for Australian defence contracts through the grant funding.
“There’s never been a better time to be involved in Western Australia’s defence industry with the announcement of the AUKUS agreement and Defence Strategic Review,” said Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia.
“The Defence Ready Initiative will help local businesses take advantage of the exciting opportunities on offer in WA.”
Applications for the Defence Ready Initiative will be accepted until 23 February 2024 at 3 p.m. For more information, visit wa.gov.au.
