The first round of the state government’s Collie Futures Small Grants has opened for businesses in Collie to drive economic growth in the region.
A pool of up to $2 million has been set aside to support local opportunities that will create employment opportunities, increase productivity or diversify business streams across a range of industries.
Organisations will be able to apply for grants between $5000 and $250,000 under the program.
The grants program will provide opportunities for a wide range of potential projects where an economic benefit for the Collie region can be proven.
The grants will be funded from the Collie Futures Fund, which received a commitment of $20 million over four years in last week’s state budget, and will be administered by the South West Development Commission.
The recently formed Collie Futures Economic Advisory Committee, made up of local industry and community representatives, will be on hand to identify and consider the best projects for the Collie area.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, who chairs the Collie Futures Economic Advisory Committee, said the grant program will give a wide range of organisations the chance to diversify the Collie economy.
“There are a whole range of job-creating economic development opportunities ripe for the picking in Collie. These grants will ensure projects have a chance to get off the ground,” he said.
“The range of grant opportunities ensures a wide range of enterprises and organisations can apply for funding.
Regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan said there were many great ideas in the community that may be now be able to become reality with grant funding available.
“We know there are great ideas and projects out there with the power to unlock economic growth. What this grants program will do is provide project proponents with the support necessary to make these initiatives a reality,” she said.
Applications for the grants on Wednesday, July 18. To apply, call the South West Development Commission on 9792 2000 or visit www.swdc.wa.gov.au