Business Support

City of Kwinana Commercial Support Grants

Two rounds of the Commercial Support Grant are released each year. Applications for the next round are closing 5pm Friday, 1 March 2024. The City of Kwinana recognises that local businesses play an important role in the quality of life of the community. Local businesses increase the vitality of our City and are an important source of employment for local residents. The purpose of this grant is to encourage business owners to invest in making improvements to their business and to engage other local business and services to carry out this work.

The grant funds will be allocated on a competitive basis via an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The grants will take the form of reimbursement (to a maximum of $1,000) for specified types of expenses for example physical upgrades, security features, strengthening online presence and professional development. Disbursement of grant funding will occur on receipt of final paid invoice.

To apply, review the eligibility requirements and complete the relevant Expression of Interest form through the City’s SmartyGrants portal. You will first have to create a profile and then log in to submit your application. 

If you have any queries or to discuss your proposal, contact the economic development team at ed@kwinana.wa.gov.au or by phone on 9439 0241. Please refer to the current policy for Commercial Support Grants here.

The following local businesses are eligible to apply for funding:

Retail Business Application

A shop, local shop, liquor store, health studio, eating house, fish shop, tavern, showroom or trade display as defined by Local Planning Scheme No.2. Essentially this means businesses that have a retail trade component and are located in the City of Kwinana.

Home-based Business Application

A business that is operated from the dwelling/private residence of the business owner within the City of Kwinana and has been in business for at least 12 months at the time of application.

Local business workshops and events

Please visit the City of Kwinana’s What’s On page for details of local upcoming events and training that may be useful to your small business.

Are you looking to develop some specific business skills that are not listed? There is a host of external organisations that provide free or low cost training solutions on a weekly basis, Including:

• Small Business Development Corporation
• Digital Solutions Workshops and Events
• Business Foundations 
• IPS Business Advisory 
• Business Station

Business Support Services

There are a range of free or low cost business support services offered by not-for-profit organisations as well as state and federal government agencies.

Small Business Development Corporation

The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) offers free business advice​ to help current and aspiring small business owners in Western Australia.

The SBDC can assist with:

• starting a small business;
• business structures;
• writing your business plan;
• market research;
• developing your business skills
• business licences and permits; and
• online business resources.

The SBDC has a range of online resources to help you assess new business ideas and provides online advice on a range of topics including from marketing to business planning, intellectual property to employing staff and everything in between.

Digital Solutions

The Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services program works with small businesses to make the most of digital tools and offers broader advice specific to your business needs such as:

• how digital tools can help your small business
• websites and selling online
• social media and digital marketing
• using small business software
• online security and data privacy

Digital Solutions offers a 7-hour packaged service that includes 3 hours of one-on-one tailored support as well as group workshops or webinars

NewAccess for Small Business Owners – Complimentary counselling service

NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need.

Over six sessions, coaches with a small business background will work with you to overcome difficult issues, providing you with practical skills to manage stress and get you back to feeling like yourself.

Small Business Financial Counselling

The service is free and confidential and is for businesses with less than 100 employees experiencing financial difficulties.  Small Business Financial Counsellors are qualified professionals who assist with independent information, advice, support and referral.

Flexible appointment options are available.

If you need help, financial counselling can help you take control of your finances by:

• Helping you with Consumer Credit issues
• Giving you access to information such as pamphlets and budgeting sheets
• Providing information about policies and laws relating to bills, debts and fines
• Informing you about government assistance that may be available
• Helping you to develop money management skills
• Referring you to other organisations that may be able to help
• Outline your consumer rights and responsibilities
• Provide you with general information about Bankruptcy.

NEIS – New Enterprise Incentive Scheme

New Business Assistance with NEIS can help you turn your business idea into a viable business. Over the last 36 years, NEIS has helped over 194,000 people become their own boss by starting their own business. NEIS offers free accredited small business training, business plan development, business mentoring and, if eligible, NEIS Allowance.