WA Defence Ready Initiative

WA Defence Ready Initiative – Round 4

  • Grant applications open until 15 December 2025.
  • Up to $20,000, covering 50% of eligible costs.
  • Note: Department may approve more than $20,000 on a case-by-case basis.

The WA Defence Ready Initiative – Round 4 is a competitive grant program administered by Defence West within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Its purpose is to strengthen Western Australian small to medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the defence sector by improving their capability, capacity, and competitiveness. The program supports businesses to become reliable suppliers of products, services, and works across all defence domains. By funding strategic improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce development, the initiative aims to increase WA’s contribution to meeting Defence requirements and expand local industry participation in national and international defence supply chains.

Key Requirements

  • Registered for GST for at least 12 months before applying.
  • Hold an ABN.
  • Be a for-profit organisation (not-for-profits and charities are ineligible).
  • Operating for at least two years, including one year in WA.
  • Principal place of business in WA and remain for 12 months after applying.
  • Employ fewer than 200 people.
  • Not a previous recipient in this round or financial year.
  • Only one application per round.

What is eligible for funding?

The following activities are eligible for funding:

  • External expertise:
    • Strategic and business planning.
    • Marketing plan development.
    • Supply chain facilitation.
    • Tender preparation.
    • Assistance with other government or international grant applications.
  • Internal infrastructure and systems improvements:
    • Production, transport, IT systems, and cyber security.
    • Certification of national and international standards.
    • Operational upgrades to meet pre-qualification requirements.
  • Training and customer engagement:
    • Employee upskilling.
    • Trade show participation.
    • Travel and accommodation for training (if local options unavailable).
    • Bringing trainers for local group training.
  • Plant and equipment:
    • New or second-hand machinery.
    • Modifications or upgrades to facilities.
    • Specialised motor vehicles (e.g., forklifts, cherry pickers).
    • Specialised computer hardware/software (e.g., tender management systems).

What companies are eligible for funding?

Western Australian SMEs in the defence sector that meet the above requirements.

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.