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The Western Australian government has announced the latest series of “Defence Ready” grants to support local businesses in the defence industry.
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Successful companies will receive Defence Ready Initiative grants of up to $20,000 from the total $200,000 investment, announced by WA Minister for Defence Industry Paul Papalia on 16 January.
The purpose of the $200,000 investment in Western Australian employers is to assist small and medium enterprises enhance their capability, capacity, and competitiveness to enter or expand their business in the Defence supply chain.
Funding can be used for planning and business advice, to improve internal business infrastructure and systems, train employees, or buy and upgrade essential equipment. Businesses can also use the funding to cover expenses associated with meeting essential pre-qualification requirements for supply chain entry, including those related to meeting Defence security standards.
Minister Papalia said applications are now open for the Defence Ready Initiative grants to support local businesses in their goal of becoming “Defence ready”.
“There’s never been a better time to be involved in Western Australia’s defence industry with the announcement of the AUKUS agreement and Defence Strategic Review,” he said.
“The Defence Ready Initiative will help local businesses take advantage of the exciting opportunities on offer in WA.
“The previous round in 2020 resulted in 22 successful companies receiving funds, including those involved in ship maintenance and security services.”
The initiative supports the WA government’s vision for the defence sector to become a key pillar of the Western Australian economy, and support locally-based businesses to become more competitive in bids to win defence work, he said.
The WA government will assist businesses with grants of up to 50 per cent of their total costs, up to a maximum of $20,000.
Previous recipients include a Perth-based satellite communications antenna firm, which, after receiving a grant, was able to obtain defence security accreditation and enter the supply chain for Australian defence contracts.
The 2020 program resulted in 22 successful companies from a range of industries including ship maintenance and security services.
Applications for Defence Ready Initiative grants close at 3pm on 23 February 2024. Companies can learn more about the Defence Ready Initiative or submit an application at Defence Ready Initiative 2023/24 (www.wa.gov.au).
The grant scheme is designed to increase the number of Western Australian businesses in becoming “defence ready” and subsequently enter or advance their capabilities within the defence supply chain, according to Defence West.
