A number of emerging Western Australian businesses have received a significant boost with the McGowan Labor Government announcing $174,000 to help them expand into Asian markets.
The businesses will each receive up to $10,000 from the second round of the Access Asia Business Grants to build and maintain competitiveness in Asian markets and contribute to WA's economic recovery from COVID-19.
One recipient, Bassendean's Nail Brewing, will use its grant to increase the visibility of its beer products in Singapore's hospitality venues and launch targeted marketing collateral to increase brand exposure.
Another, Cardup's Smartstream Technology, will use its grant to expand its footprint in Indonesia off the back of its success in Bali. Smartstream specialises in WA-made innovative wastewater and stormwater products.
As well as SMEs, grants are open to industry associations and Asian business councils to support their business efforts in Asia, including key markets such as China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.
The 18 successful applicants are small and medium businesses from a range of sectors, including energy, mining and mining equipment, technology and services, primary industries, international education and tourism, events and creative industries.
The Government established the Access Asia Business Grants as part of the Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-2030: Our Future with Asia, announced in August 2019 to support Asia-focused WA organisations to diversify the economy and help create jobs.
For more information, visit http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/accessasiabusinessgrants
As stated by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley:
"Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, there is still plenty that WA businesses can do to facilitate trade with Asian markets and we want to keep supporting them to do that.
"These 18 grant recipients represent a broad range of WA businesses, which shows the many opportunities there are for local SMEs to expand into Asia.
"These business grants are just one way the WA Government is delivering on its Asian Engagement Strategy to help WA bounce back from COVID-19 and create jobs for Western Australians."
