What is the Regional Economic Development Grants?
The Regional Economic Development Grants is a program to help businesses with projects that create economic growth in regional WA.
Background
The Regional Economic Development Grants (RED Grants) program is a $45.8 million over eight years (2018-19 to 2025-26) State Government initiative that invests in local projects to stimulate economic growth and development in regional Western Australia.
The grants will boost investment in local regional projects that contribute to population and economic growth initiatives and innovation pilots, and importantly, are driven by the community.
Objectives
The objectives of the RED Grants Program include:
- sustainable jobs
- expanding or diversifying industry
- developing skills or capabilities
- attracting new investment in the region
- increasing productivity.
Funding
The State Government is investing up to $5 million for this Round (Round 5) of the program. Eligible applicants can apply for the RED Grants funding of up to $250,000 for individual projects in Round 5.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- have an Australian business number (ABN)
- be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding and enforceable financial assistance agreement with the WA government
- have the capacity to undertake and complete the project
- be able to meet ongoing operating and maintenance costs following the conclusion of the grant (if applicable)
- contribute a minimum 50% cash contribution to the project.
You are not eligible to apply if you are a:
- State or Federal Government Agency;
- Government Trading Enterprise (GTE);
- School;
- Hospital; or
- A Trustee that is not empowered through the Trust Deed to enter into an agreement with the State Government to receive funding.
Items or activities that are not eligible for funding include:
- Retrospective payments or expenditure incurred prior to execution of a RED Grants funding agreement.
- Ongoing costs incurred after the initiative is completed (e.g. operating and maintenance costs).
- Existing staff salaries for core business activities.
- Operational overheads (such as rent, insurance, telephone etc.).
Timing
Applications close 24 August 2022.
More Information
Latest News
Five Kimberley projects share in $673,473 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding to diversify the tourism and hospitality sector, support new agricultural products & services, and deliver alternative energy solutions in the region.
Successful projects include:
- Generators & Off-Grid Energy Pty Ltd – $176,000 to establish operations in the East Kimberley, employ eight employees and provide training for electricians to provide alternative, ‘whole system’ energy solutions for residents and businesses in the region.
- Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation – $82,473 to build a tissue culture laboratory, and processing, packing and storage facility for their gubinge plantation. The project will also help with implementing the production of new native teas.
- Walaja Raw Bush Honey – $90,000 to construct a purpose-built facility in Broome to expand commercial honey production and pollination services, as well as continued employment and training of Aboriginal beekeepers.
- Hoochery Distillery – $200,000 to construct the Kimberley’s first and only beverage manufacturing facility at the Hoochery Distillery. The project will focus on mid and zero strength alcohol products, expanding the product range and enabling additional employment.
- The Kimberley Arts Network – $75,000 funding to repurpose an art space in Broome, which will offer training, workshops and exhibitions for the community.
