Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said this afternoon that State Government grants of up to $25,000 are now available to help regional businesses in Geraldton and the Mid West improve their competitiveness and engage with major projects in Western Australia.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the second regional round of the Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP) would enable eligible small to medium-sized businesses to apply for up to $25,000 in matched funding through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Mr Blayney said he welcomed IFS program and said the grants had been put to good use in the first round purchasing new equipment, upgrading facilities, engaging expert consultants and providing staff with specialised training.

“There are many opportunities for regional businesses and economies to benefit from major projects happening across Western Australia,” Mr Mischin said.

“Engaging local businesses and supporting them in entering new markets and supply chains strengthens local economies bringing enormous flow-on benefits to communities.

“A total of $400,000 was awarded to 31 companies in the first round, resulting in the creation of more than 20 new jobs, six apprenticeship positions and generating almost 70 contracts worth more than $21 million.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the second round of the program had been broadened, with the amount available increasing from $20,000 to $25,000 and the turnover threshold cap boosted.

Mr Redman said eligible sectors had expanded to include agribusiness and tourism and previous IFSP recipients would also be eligible to apply.

“I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions funding supporting regional businesses and economies to engage in major markets and also look beyond our borders to national and international supply chains,” he said.

“The IFSP assists businesses to increase their competitiveness and help them succeed as suppliers to major market including the resources, utilities, food, tourism and government sectors.”

Visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/industry-and-innovation/industry-facilitation-and-support-program-ifsp-regional-round-2 for more information.

Contact: Ian Blayney:- (office) 08 99641640 or (mob) 0428 244 020