On 20 May, the $3.85 Enterprise Support Program (ESP) opened for applications in conjunction with the official industry launch of the Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct (WAFIP).
Funding available through the Program will support small-to-medium sized agrifood companies and agripreneurs seeking to scale up their operations via the leading-edge research capability, incubation space and technologies available in the Precinct.
The competitive grant program offers up to $200,000 in dollar-for-dollar co-funding to agribusinesses seeking to accelerate business development; commercialise research; develop new products; and deliver projects that demonstrate innovation, diversification and export capability.
The ESP is intended to support SMEs with projects that contribute to food innovation and improve the export capability of agrifood commodities. Funding preference will be given to projects that lead to economic diversification and jobs growth in Western Australia.
A partnership between the Shire of Murray, DevelopmentWA and the WA Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD), the Enterprise Support Program is backed by $2.5 million in state government funding and a further $1.35m from the Shire of Murray.
Funding is available to eligible participants under three streams:
- business/product commercialisation, collaborative research and development;
- common-use equipment within the Precinct; and
- user incentives to access the Precinct space, facilities and services.
Prospective applicants may request up to $200K across the three streams. Successful applicants will have up to two years to complete their projects and utilise the funds.
More information and grant applications
For further information, and to apply for grant funding through the Enterprise Support Program, visit the ESP section of the Shire of Murray’s WA Food Innovation Precinct web page.
The Shire of Murray recommends that every prospective applicant familiarises themselves with the Enterprise Support Program Guidelines(PDF, 112KB), then contacts the Shire office on (08) 9531 7777 to discuss their proposed project prior to completing the online application form.