Grants of up to $250,000 support regional WA projects that create or retain jobs, expand or diversify industry, develop skills, boost productivity, and attract investment.
On this page you will find
What is the Regional Economic Development Grants (RED Grants)?
The Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program is a Western Australian Government initiative that invests in locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and support the long-term sustainability of regional communities.
The WA Government is investing $65.85 million over 12 years towards the program, including $5 million available under the latest round.
Eligible applicants can apply for funding for individual projects that contribute to increasing or sustaining jobs, expanding or diversifying industry, developing skills or capability, increasing business productivity and attracting new investment to the regions.
Since 2018, more than $50 million has been allocated to 470 approved projects across the nine regions, supporting initiatives including:
- Industry development and expansion
- Aboriginal industry development
- Agricultural diversification
- Tourism expansion
Each of the nine Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) manages the grant application process for its region and provides advice to applicants.
All nine RDCs are listed at the end of this article.
Regional Economic Development Grants level of support
Grants
- A total funding pool of $5 million for projects across regional Western Australia.
- Grants of up to $250,000 are available for individual projects, depending on regional funding arrangements.
- In the South West region, grants of up to $150,000 are available.
- There is no minimum funding amount, but projects must demonstrate strong economic and community benefits.
Co-contribution
- Applicants are expected to provide a cash co-contribution, with projects showing higher leverage or matching funding viewed more favourably.
- Other State Government funds cannot be used to meet the cash co-contribution requirement.
- In-kind support is encouraged but is not counted as part of the cash contribution.
Regional Economic Development Grants objectives
The RED Grants program supports projects that:
- Create or sustain local jobs
- Expand or diversify regional industry
- Develop skills and capability within regional communities
- Increase business productivity and competitiveness
- Attract new investment and encourage innovation in regional WA
Projects and activities eligible for Regional Economic Development Grants support
Funding is available for projects that deliver tangible economic and community outcomes, such as:
- Supporting job creation and retention
- Developing new or expanded industries
- Increasing regional productivity or competitiveness
- Developing workforce skills and training opportunities
- Driving collaboration between local businesses or organisations
Preference is given to projects that:
- Build the capability of local suppliers and enable regional businesses to provide goods or services
- Increase regional employment through subcontractors, apprenticeships or traineeships
- Support emerging or innovative industries
- Deliver measurable benefits to the regional economy
Ineligible activities include:
- Retrospective payments or expenditure incurred before funding approval
- Ongoing operational or maintenance costs
- Existing staff salaries for core business activities
- Overheads such as rent, insurance or utilities
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible projects and activities.
Other Regional Economic Development Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Regional Economic Development Grants support
Eligible applicants include:
- Local governments
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Incorporated bodies and industry associations
- Australian registered businesses with an ABN
- Universities or training institutions (under collaborative arrangements)
Ineligible applicants include:
- State or Federal Government agencies
- Government Trading Enterprises
- Schools or hospitals
- Trustees not empowered under their Trust Deed to enter into grant agreements
Regional Economic Development Grants assessment criteria
Applications are assessed on a competitive, merit-based basis. Assessors consider the following key criteria:
- Alignment with one or more program objectives
- Clear and measurable economic development outcomes
- Strength of co-contribution and leverage of other investment
- Benefits to the wider regional economy and community
- Local partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders
- Capacity to deliver and sustain the project outcomes
- Financial viability and sound governance
- Realistic timeframes and risk management
Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of organisational capability and at least two years of verified financial statements.
How do I get the Regional Economic Development Grants?
To improve your chances of success, applicants should aim to:
- Show how the project delivers clear and lasting benefits to regional communities
- Provide a strong cash co-contribution and evidence of other funding or investment
- Highlight partnerships with local businesses, industry groups, or community organisations
- Explain how the project will create or retain jobs in the region
- Demonstrate capacity to complete the project on time and within budget
- Present a detailed and realistic project plan and risk management approach
- Include measurable outcomes such as jobs created, training delivered, or increased productivity
- Submit accurate budgets and supporting evidence of financial stability
Information to prepare for the Regional Economic Development Grants application
Before applying, applicants should prepare:
- A detailed project plan or business case
- A budget showing all cash and in-kind contributions
- Two years of verified financial statements (CPA, CA, or IPA certified)
- Evidence of project readiness, such as quotes and approvals
- Letters of support from key stakeholders
- A risk management plan
- A clear timeline or Gantt chart of project milestones
Applying for Regional Economic Development Grants
Applications are assessed by the relevant local Regional Development Commission. Submit applications online through the SmartyGrants portal, accessible from your region’s RDC website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Regional Economic Development Grants resources
Guidelines and application are located on each of the following RDC Websites:
- Gascoyne Development Commission
- Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission
- Great Southern Development Commission
- Kimberley Development Commission
- Mid West Development Commission
- Peel Development Commission
- Pilbara Development Commission
- South West Development Commission
- Wheatbelt Development Commission
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Four Ways GrantHelper Helps Businesses Secure Government Funding
- Grant Funding Readiness
Assess your business’s current position, identify gaps, and ensure your project is properly aligned to pursue competitive government grant funding — so you can pursue funding with confidence. - Grant Strategy Session
Identify the right grant opportunities, evaluate your project against funding priorities, and map out a clear path to securing government funding — so you can target the best funding opportunities. - Grant Funding Accelerator
A tailored program where we prepare the key components of a compelling grant application — so you can stay focused on running your business while we build your submission step-by-step. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert GrantHelper develops clear, persuasive responses that present your project clearly and persuasively — so your application has the best chance of success.
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