Regionally-based Aboriginal small businesses have been invited to apply for state government funding to assist with securing procurement opportunities in the public and private sectors.
The state government will provide eligible businesses with grants of up to $20,000 from the Local Capability Fund.
The ‘Regional Aboriginal Business’ round will focus on helping Aboriginal businesses that are seeking to better prepare themselves to become suppliers of products, services and works to local, state and federal governments and agencies, as well as private sector businesses.
The aim of the funding is to help Aboriginal businesses continue their growth, future job creation and the diversification of regional economies.
Premier Mark McGowan said the funding would help provide more opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to grow and develop.
“The Regional Aboriginal Business round aims to increase the number of State Government contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses,” he said.
Regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan said the engagement between Aboriginal communities and the business sector was important to the future of WA.
“This initiative will grow opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to create jobs and diversify regional economies,” she said.
“The McGowan Government is committed to supporting regional Western Australia by capturing opportunities to drive economic growth and jobs.
“We will not reach out full potential in regional Western Australia without this kind of deep engagement with Aboriginal communities and business.”
Applications for funding are open until December 31, 2018.
