Grants in WA

The AUKUS SME Readiness Fund is a competitive grant program administered by Defence West to support Western Australian small and medium enterprises in building the capacity and capability needed to secure work within the AUKUS supply chain. The program focuses on Pillar 1, which involves components for conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, and Pillar 2, which covers priority technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technologies, advanced cyber, and undersea capabilities.

The Green Iron Investment Fund – National Development Stream supports early movers in establishing commercial-scale green iron production facilities across Australia. Its objectives are to de-risk early capital investments in green iron production, attract private investment into the industry, generate economic and employment benefits, and deliver community outcomes aligned with the Future Made in Australia Community Benefit Principles. The intended outcomes include transforming national, regional or local economies through the development of green iron capabilities, and contributing to emissions reduction across the steel value chain in line with Australia’s decarbonisation goals.

The Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) is a competitive funding initiative co-funded by the Western Australian Government and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). It supports cross-disciplinary collaboration between WA-based industry and academic institutions to develop technologies that are relevant to Defence and aligned with national strategic priorities.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters, and small rural enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. The program is designed to support individuals and businesses in navigating financial challenges and building long-term resilience. Its core objective is to help clients transition out of immediate financial crisis, assess the viability of their business to make informed decisions about its future, and improve overall financial wellbeing. This is achieved through financial education, skill-building, and referrals to relevant professional services.

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).

The Future Drought Fund Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Program provides $12 million to support First Nations-led, community-driven projects that build resilience to drought and climate impacts. Running from 2025–26 to 2027–28, up to six Delivery Partners will co-design and support place-based initiatives that strengthen connection to Country and empower communities. The program reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap by investing in First Nations-led solutions.

This grant supports wine or cider producers who add value by encouraging visitors to wine regions—driving wine tourism through physical cellar door experiences. It offers financial assistance proportionate to eligible domestic cellar door sales, with the objective of enhancing regional visitation and tourism.

CRC-P Grants facilitate short-term research collaborations led by industry, effectively bridging the gap between researchers and industry. The initiative focuses on driving research and development efforts towards viable commercial applications.

The Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) was announced as part of the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia (FMA) policy. The program has a $500 million of grant funding pool available.