• Up to $20,000 available for eligible small and medium businesses in the South-West seeking Government contracts
• Funding to assist in bidding for defence-related work
• Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and Defence West present at PROCURE South West event 
  
  

The McGowan Labor Government will provide eligible small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the South-West with up to $20,000 in dollar-for-dollar funding to assist in bidding for Government or defence-related work.

The funding, provided through the McGowan Labor Government's Local Capability Fund, will assist SMEs to increase their competitiveness as suppliers of products, services and works to Government agencies, or respond to opportunities in the defence sector.

Information about the program will be available to those attending PROCURE South West in Bunbury, an event for local businesses to showcase their capabilities in servicing major clients in both the public and private sectors.  

Staff from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and Defence West will be on hand to provide an update on the Western Australian Jobs Bill 2017, as well as raising awareness of procurement opportunities in the region.

A Local Capability Fund round for the METRONET railcar project was launched in October.

Funding in this second round can be used for costs such as Australian or international standards certification, equipment upgrades, improvements to manufacturing processes and Occupational Health and Safety accreditation.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan will officially open PROCURE South West in Bunbury today.

For more information, visit the Local Capability Fund page.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"The McGowan Labor Government is committed to growing local jobs in regional areas, and the Local Capability Fund will offer assistance for businesses in the South-West to enhance their capability, capacity and competitiveness.

"This will allow local businesses to be in a position to capitalise on opportunities created by the WA Jobs Law, currently progressing through State Parliament."

Comments attributed to Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:

"Through Defence West, this Government is advocating for our State's small and medium businesses to access opportunities presented by the defence sector. 

"The success of local companies such as Dunsborough's Nauti-Craft demonstrates the potential and capability of innovative South-West businesses."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"Regional procurement is at the core of our strategy for strengthening regional communities. 

"This fund will help businesses in the South-West have the best possible shot at winning government contracts."