Grants in WA

This grant invests in outstanding low-budget feature film projects by First Nations Australians. Funding supports production and post-production, aiming to develop key First Nations creatives and extend their vision and skills.

The Defence and Research Teaming (DaRT) 2025 grant is a Western Australian Government initiative managed by the Defence Science Centre. It empowers defence personnel, academia and industry partners to collaborate on early-stage concepts within the Defence Capability Life Cycle. These projects must have participated in Exercise Western Dawn 2025 and align with defined innovation themes. Successful teams receive grants up to $200k to de‑risk technologies and mature ideas—ultimately enhancing ADF capability and building sovereign industry outcomes.

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.

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.