The McGowan Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to maximise regional local content opportunities, today announcing a further $300,000 to support small businesses competing for tenders.
The Regional Local Content Initiative will receive $300,000 over three years to assist regional small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete for public and private supply tenders and contracts.
The initiative will be delivered via the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Local Content Advisers network, based in Regional Development Commissions throughout the State, who work with regional SMEs and communities to cultivate business expertise and opportunities.
By supporting business growth in the regions, the investment will generate flow-on benefits, creating employment opportunities, improving the local economies and boosting the social well-being of regional communities.
The initiative will reach across the State, encompassing rural and remote communities and a range of SMEs, including Aboriginal businesses.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This is a practical initiative that will assist regional businesses to overcome the tyranny of distance and a lack of exposure to build capacity and competitiveness.
“The Regional Local Content Initiative helps to deliver on the McGowan Government’s election commitment to stimulate economic growth and employment by boosting local content in State developments, while encouraging participation in private sector developments.
“The initiative will help regional businesses to become and remain more competitive by boosting their capacity, capability and confidence so they can bid for contracts and tenders in the public and private sector marketplace.
“This funding will assist the DPIRD’s Local Content Advisers, located in nine Regional Development Commissions across the State, to hold events, procurement training workshops, briefings, and networking forums to connect buyers and suppliers.
“This terrific investment is a small part of the State Government’s efforts to create more sustainable regional communities, through a range of endeavours that support and encourage business growth, diversity, resilience and jobs.”
