If you’re a small business in WA with big ideas but not quite enough cash to make them happen, the Cook Government has just thrown you a lifeline.

The new Small Business Growth Grants program is dishing out vouchers of up to $10,000 to help eligible WA businesses get expert advice, level up their operations and chase new opportunities.

But before you get too excited, this isn’t a one-way handout. These grants are matched funding. That means if you invest in your own business, the government will match it (up to the $10K cap).

So it’s skin-in-the-game for everyone, with the reward of being able to finally tick off those “if only we could afford it” projects.

What you can spend your grant on

The grants are designed to give you access to specialist skills and services you might not have in-house. Some examples include:

Business planning to map your growth path

Digital marketing and e-commerce know-how

An expert financial health check

Cybersecurity advice to keep hackers at bay

Tender writing support so you can win bigger jobs

Export readiness and market positioning guidance

In true WA-mateship style, applicants are encouraged to spend their voucher with other WA small businesses, meaning the cash circulates locally and helps the whole sector thrive.

How the Small Business Growth Grants will help

From Perth to the Pilbara, small businesses power WA’s economy, pumping more than $50 billion into the state every year. They’re also the centre of local communities, employing staff, sponsoring the footy club and keeping main streets buzzing.

Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis says the program is about giving small business owners the confidence, and the cash, to take the next step.

“We know small businesses play an incredibly important role across our State – providing essential services, creating jobs and contributing to communities,” she says.

“This investment shows our ongoing commitment to supporting local jobs and small businesses, and keeping WA as the strongest economy in the nation.”

Delivered by the experts

The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) will run the program. They’ve been helping WA small businesses for more than 40 years, so they have a great track record of support.

Small Business Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan says the Growth Grants are about helping small businesses “think big.”

“Whether an enterprise needs to improve their online presence, get help managing their supply chain, develop systems for a safe workplace or secure other specialist help, the Small Business Growth Grant will help them access the specialist business services and advice they need to build capability,” he says.

How to apply

Applications are now open. Head to smallbusiness.wa.gov.au for all the details and eligibility criteria.

If you’ve been sitting on a business idea, now might be the time to dust it off, crunch the numbers and put in an application. A $10K boost could be the push your WA business needs to turn ‘one day’  into ‘day one’.

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