The McGowan Government has announced three new Local Capability Fund (LCF) rounds worth $2 million to assist local businesses to increase their capability and competitiveness to secure contract opportunities.
The Local Capability Fund continues to play a critical role in supporting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the State Government's estimated $30 billion per annum spend on goods, services and works for the community.
The funding aims to help local SMEs improve their capacity to supply goods, services and works to the Government, major projects and other important markets.
Grants can be used to cover expenses such as meeting essential pre-qualification requirements for supply-chain entry, or buying and upgrading essential equipment.
Businesses can use funding to pay for consultant advice on a range of matters, including occupational health and safety, marketing, finance and cybersecurity.
The three new LCF rounds announced by the McGowan Government are the:
- Aboriginal Business Round - businesses with majority Aboriginal ownership can receive up to $50,000 to improve their capability and competitiveness to supply goods, services and works;
- Supplying Key Major Projects Round - up to $50,000 to help SMEs improve their capability and capacity to supply to major State Government civil construction and infrastructure projects or major private sector projects; and
- National and International Standards Compliance Round - up to $20,000 to help SMEs with the costs of engaging external experts to carry out implementation and third party certification of national and international standards.
To date there has been a total of $17.33 million provided to 551 applicants, helping to secure more than $569 million in new contracts and create 1,032 jobs and 170 apprenticeships.
To find out more about the LCF and to submit an application, visit
http://industrylink.wa.gov.au/local-capability-fund
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
"The Local Capability Fund provides growth opportunities for small to medium businesses, helping them bid for State Government contracts worth more than $30 billion per year.
"These businesses play a vital role in strengthening the State supply chain, supporting the future growth of Western Australia.
"The three new rounds, worth $2 million, will build on the proven success of the Local Capability Fund. I encourage businesses to take this opportunity and apply."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Aboriginal Business Round will make a significant difference to businesses across Western Australia, particularly in remote regions.
"Upgrading equipment or engaging consultant expertise can help businesses grow to a level that allows them to compete for contracts that have previously been beyond their reach.
"I encourage all Aboriginal businesses to consider the benefits and apply to the Local Capability Fund."
State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister's office - 6552 6500
