Research commissioned by the Small Business Development Corporation found the number of sole traders and small businesses with one to 19 employees operating in Kwinana increased by 770 between June 2020 and June 2025.
This brought the total number of small businesses and sole traders in Kwinana to 2,750, representing growth of 39 per cent—more than double the statewide growth rate of 19 per cent.
Kwinana also ranked 12th in Western Australia for the absolute increase in small business numbers, despite being one of the smaller metropolitan local government areas.
City of Kwinana Mayor Peter Feasey said the independent research demonstrated growing confidence in Kwinana as a place to invest, work and do business.
“This is an outstanding result for Kwinana and a strong vote of confidence in our local economy and the people choosing to establish and grow their businesses here,” Mayor Feasey said.
“Small businesses are part of the fabric of our community. They create local jobs, provide essential services, stimulate investment, activate our commercial centres and help build vibrant neighbourhoods.
The result follows several years of focused work by the City to improve the experience of establishing and operating a small business in Kwinana.
The City previously participated in the State Government-funded Small Business Friendly Approvals Program, led by the SBDC, and developed its Small Business Friendly Approvals Program Action Plan, which was endorsed by Council in October 2021.
The Action Plan provided a pathway for the City to streamline approval processes, improve communication and customer service, strengthen collaboration between City service areas and reduce barriers for small businesses.
Mayor Feasey said the latest results were particularly pleasing following the City’s journey to become a more small business-friendly local government.
“Over the past few years, the City has worked deliberately to better understand the needs of small businesses and make it easier for them to navigate our services and approval processes,” Mayor Feasey said.
“We have focused on improving customer service, streamlining processes, supporting local procurement, reducing barriers where possible and investing in economic development.
“While there is always more work to do, it is encouraging to see independent research recognising that Kwinana is becoming a place where small businesses choose to establish, invest and grow.”
“As Kwinana’s population and economy continue to grow, supporting local businesses will be essential to broadening our economic base and ensuring the benefits of that growth are shared across our community.”
WA Small Business Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan congratulated the City on the result and recognised Kwinana’s consistent initiatives to be a local government area of choice for small businesses.
The City will continue working with local businesses, industry partners and the SBDC to support business growth, investment and employment opportunities in Kwinana.