Local Capability Fund

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Funding for SMEs to increase capability, capacity and competitiveness as suppliers of products, services and works to Western Australia, major projects and other important markets.

Current status of program

CLOSED

To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.

What is the Local Capability Fund?

The Local Capability Fund (LCF) is administered by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. It aims to provide financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their capacity, capability, and competitiveness in supplying major projects and markets both in Australia and overseas.

The LCF offers different rounds of funding, each with its own focus:

  • Aboriginal Business Round: To support Aboriginal-owned businesses in enhancing their capacity and capability to participate in major projects and supply chains.
  • Digital Transformation Round: To assist SMEs in adopting digital technologies to improve business processes, productivity, and competitiveness.
  • Standards Compliance Round: To support SMEs with the costs of engaging external expertise to carry out the implementation and third-party certification of various national and international standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, etc.).
  • Supplying Key Projects Round: To support SMEs in improving their business capability and capacity to supply major projects run by government agencies and the private sector in priority sectors such as energy, mining, civil construction, defence, and marine.
  • Regional Business Round: To support regional SMEs in enhancing their capacity and capability to participate in significant regional projects and supply chains.

LCF level of support

  • Aboriginal Business Round: Covers 50% of eligible costs (excluding GST) up to a maximum of $40,000.
  • Digital Transformation Round: Covers 50% of eligible costs (excluding GST) up to a maximum of $25,000.
  • Standards Compliance Round: Covers 50% of eligible costs (excluding GST) up to a maximum of $20,000.
  • Supplying Key Projects Round: Covers 50% of eligible costs (excluding GST) up to a maximum of $50,000.
  • Regional Business Round: Covers 50% of eligible costs (excluding GST) up to a maximum of $20,000.

LCF important dates

LCF objectives

The primary objective of the LCF is to boost the capacity and capability of Western Australian SMEs to compete for and supply major projects and markets, both domestically and internationally. Each round has specific objectives tailored to meet the needs of different sectors and compliance requirements.

Activities eligible for LCF support

Aboriginal Business Round:

  • Business development and certification.
  • Training and marketing initiatives to enhance participation in major projects and supply chains.

Digital Transformation Round:

  • Implementation of new digital technologies and tools.
  • Development of digital strategies and staff training on digital tools.

Standards Compliance Round:

  • Implementation and certification of standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and others.
  • Eligible activities include gap analysis, development of procedures, staff training, and certification fees.

Supplying Key Projects Round:

  • Activities to enhance business infrastructure, such as strategic planning, supply chain facilitation, and training.
  • Purchase of new or modified equipment and specialised software.
  • Upgrades to business facilities and acquiring specialised vehicles.

Regional Business Round:

  • Business development and capacity building activities.
  • Market access initiatives and participation in regional supply chains.

See the guidelines for full details of activities eligible for LCF support.

Other LCF important details that you will need to know

To be eligible for LCF funding, applicants must:

  • Operate in a trade-exposed industry in Western Australia.
  • Have been operating for at least three years and be registered for GST.
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be a for-profit organisation.
  • Employ between 1 and 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

 

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Relevance and need for the project.
  • Expected outcomes and impact.
  • Capability and capacity to carry out the proposed activities.
  • Value for money.
  • Financial viability and risk.

 

Applicants must:

  • Read and understand the guidelines.
  • Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
  • Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
  • Provide complete information requirements.

 

Applicants should prepare:

  • A detailed description of their business operations.
  • Competitive quotes for proposed activities.
  • Up-to-date financial statements.
  • Evidence of industry engagement (for the Supplying Key Projects Round).

 

Eligible applicants must submit their applications online via the SmartyGrants portal.

Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.

LCF resources

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