• Local innovators and entrepreneurs can now apply for grants of up to $20,000
• Innovation Vouchers Program focuses on creating and supporting WA jobs
• Program supported by the McGowan Government's $16.7m New Industries Fund

Local innovators and entrepreneurs with a bright business idea are being offered grants from the McGowan Government, to help grow their innovation for the benefit of Western Australian jobs and the economy.

Applications are now open for the latest round of the McGowan Government's Innovation Vouchers Program, which supports small to medium enterprises.

Past recipients have used the vouchers to pursue a variety of business endeavours, from prototyping a specialised pump for open heart surgery (Triphasic Cardiac Pump Pty Ltd, Kallaroo, Perth) to developing a new tool to make barbed wire fence installation safer (Red Rust Contracting, Kununurra, East Kimberley).

Another previous voucher recipient was Orchid Valley Pet Co. in Kojonup which specialises in creating eco-friendly pet caskets, cremation products and comforting bereavement gifts sold throughout Australia. The company used its voucher to travel to the United Kingdom to research potential sales to overseas markets. The fact-finding mission proved successful with Orchid Valley Pet Co. now selling and exporting to the United Kingdom.

Applications to this year's round of Innovation Vouchers close on March 29, 2019.

For more information, visit http://www.newindustries.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:

"WA is home to plenty of talented innovators and entrepreneurs that we want to stay in WA to develop their products.

"By keeping home-grown talent and products in this State, we are helping to create WA jobs and diversify the economy. 

"In previous years we have seen exciting innovations emerge and develop all over our State with help from this program, with some even making the leap into international markets.

"I strongly encourage all local innovators and entrepreneurs with a great idea and drive to create a thriving WA-based company, to consider applying for a voucher."

Minister's office - 6552 6100