- Applications for round 2 of the Small Business Development and Diversification Grants has opened
- $7.8 million of funding is available for eligible businesses affected by the Native Forest Transition (NFT)
- Grants are used to help businesses grow, diversify and to create jobs
Eligible small businesses can now apply for a Small Business Development and Diversification Grant (SBDD) with the second round of funding now open.
Businesses transitioning away from the commercial native forest industry can apply for grants of up to $400,000.
$7.8 million is available for businesses in Western Australia which can demonstrate a minimum 50 per cent reliance on the commercial native forest logging industry to transition their activities and protect or create jobs.
The previous round of SBDD grants saw 20 businesses across Perth and the South West region approved for a total of $7.2 million.
The decision has preserved approximately 400,000 additional hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo (hardwood) forests, which ensures nearly two million hectares will be protected into the future.
For more information head to Native Forest Transition:Small Business Developmentand Diversification grants (www.wa.gov.au)
As stated by Forestry; Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Small Business Development and Diversification Grants are part of the State Government's $80 million Native Forest Transition Plan, which aims to support businesses most affected by the decision.
"I encourage any eligible businesses to apply to take advantage of what the SBDD can offer for them and their employees."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"The SBDD fund presents an exciting opportunity for local businesses to grow and diversify as commercial native logging comes to an end.
"We want to ensure our South West remains a thriving place for people to live, work, play and visit."
