Business in Regional WA
The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) facilitates Western Australia's regional economic development by delivering services and solutions to enhance Western Australia’s business environment and ensure continued growth.
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Area Consultative Committees
The national network of Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) provides an important link between the Australian Government and rural and metropolitan Australia.
As a volunteer community based organisations, ACCs are uniquely placed to respond to issues in their regions and provide a vital conduit to government on local, social and economic conditions.
ACCs encourage the local community to take up opportunities under the range of Government programs designed to optimise the regions own potential and development, whilst being managed at the local level, with the private sector and Government in partnership.
Further information can be obtained from the ACC website (http://www.acc.gov.au/).
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, available at http://grantsdirectory.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/, contains programs provided by the Western Australian and Australian Governments as well as private sector organisations.
Regional entry point - Australian Government programs and services
The Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government provides information on a range of Australian Government programs and services for farms and businesses in rural, regional and remote Australia.
Further information can be obtained from the Department's Regional Entry Point website (http://www.regionalaustralia.gov.au/). Tip: Grants and funding can be viewed by State.
AusIndustry
AusIndustry is the Australian Government's business program delivery division in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
AusIndustry delivers a range of more than 30 programs - including innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, small business skills development, industry support and venture capital - worth about $2 billion to more than 10,000 businesses and 60,000 individuals every year.
Refer to AusIndustry's website (http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/) for a full list of programs (listed under "Products").
Regional Development Commissions
Regional Development Commissions assist existing business to consolidate and grow, using existing skills to build on business opportunities, and provide an environment attractive to new business. Further information and links to each of the nine RDCs throughout Western Australian can be obtained from the Department of Local Government and Regional development (http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/).
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
