WA Supply Chain Capacity Program – Round 1

Applications open until 22 October 2025.
Round 1 funding pool: $20 million.
Per‑applicant caps:
- Funding up to $2,000,000 is available for producers (on‑farm finishing).
- Funding up to $5,000,000 is available for processors (capacity, efficiency, productivity)
A dollar‑for‑dollar cash co‑contribution (minimum 50%) is required.

The Supply Chain Capacity Program supports Western Australian sheep producers and supply‑chain businesses to adjust to the phase‑out of live sheep exports by sea. Funded as part of the Australian Government’s transition assistance package, the program totals $40 million, delivered over two competitive rounds of $20 million each and administered by the Rural Business Development Corporation (RBDC) with delivery by DPIRD.

Grants are available for capital investments that expand capacity, efficiency and productivity across WA’s sheep supply chain. Two streams apply: producers can seek $50,000–$2.0 million for on‑farm finishing infrastructure, and processors can seek $50,000–$5.0 million to enhance processing capacity (e.g., lairage, ramps, cold stores, wastewater, heavy‑vehicle access, feedlots, and technology such as objective carcase measurement (OCM) including necessary software and training).

Key Requirements

Increase supply‑chain capacity, efficiency and productivity: Projects should improve competition, capacity, efficiency, productivity, and/or resilience in the WA sheep supply chain and may create jobs, upskill workers, or introduce innovation/technology.
Deliver capital works in WA: Funding targets capital projects in existing or proposed sheep producing/processing businesses located in WA, with eligible examples listed under “Eligible activities.”
Matched funding (50% cash): Applicants must provide at least 50% cash co‑contribution and evidence of secured funds; in‑kind contributions do not count.
Timely delivery: Projects must commence within six months of executing the grant agreement and be completed by 30 June 2028; no retrospective costs.
Value for money and readiness: Applications must include business case, budget, quotes, risk management, regulatory considerations, delivery plan and show sector impact.
Competitive assessment: Applications assessed post‑close by an Independent Assessment Panel with RBDC as decision maker.

Eligible applicants include private businesses operating (or intending to operate) in WA’s sheep supply chain—such as farmers, processors, feedlotters and capacity infrastructure providers (e.g., cold storage, lairage). Applicants must hold an ABN, be GST‑registered, be financially viable, have operated for at least two years (or show a similar track record), and deliver projects in regional and/or metropolitan WA by 30 June 2028.

Assessment is competitive, with decisions based on economic impact, deliverability, and industry integration. Notifications are expected January 2026 following the close.

What is eligible for funding?

Lairage, ramps, cold stores, wastewater upgrades;
Improved heavy‑vehicle access and driver facilities;
Developing/upgrading feedlots;
Technology/innovation such as OCM in processing plants, incl. software upgrades and related training;
On‑farm finishing infrastructure.

(Projects must be capital in nature; operating costs, land purchases, feasibility studies, general consulting, and R&D are not eligible.)

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entities (must meet all):

Private sector businesses (incl. incorporated trustees), public companies, grower cooperatives, partnerships/consortia with a lead applicant, all ABN‑holding and GST‑registered in Australia.
Operating (or intending to operate) in WA’s sheep supply chain (e.g., farmers, processors, feedlotters, cold storage/lairage providers).
≥2 years’ operation (or equivalent track record); financially viable; no formal compliance/legal actions; project located in WA

Other considerations for companies/businesses: Must show 50% cash co‑contribution, provide financial statements for last two years, and submit detailed project documentation (budget, timelines, quotes, regulatory engagement).

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

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