Regional Economic Development Grants WA (RED)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Regional Economic Development Grants WA (RED) Grants program is a Western Australian State Government initiative designed to stimulate economic growth across regional Western Australia. The program invests in locally driven projects with the aim of fostering long-term economic development and ensuring job sustainability within regional communities.

With a commitment of $55.85 million over ten years, the Regional Economic Development Grants program plays a vital role in empowering regional communities. It supports a diverse range of initiatives that contribute to industry development, job creation, and economic diversification, enhancing the prosperity and resilience of regional WA.

RED Grant Key Details

• Grant Amount or Funding Range: Grants are available for up to $250,000 per project.
• Application Open and Close Dates: Applications for Round 8 are expected to open in late 2025.
• Eligible Industries or Business Types: Diverse range of projects from various industries that contribute to economic growth objectives in regional WA.
• Required Co-contributions: A minimum 50% cash contribution to the project is required from the applicant.
• Location/State/Territory Applicability: Projects must be located within and directly benefit one of the nine regions of Western Australia, overseen by their respective Regional Development Commissions (RDCs).

Priority Sectors

The RED Grants program supports projects across a broad range of sectors, provided they align with the program’s economic growth and development objectives. These objectives include:

• Creating sustainable jobs.
• The objectives also include expanding or diversifying the industry.
• The focus is on the development of skills or capabilities.
• The programme also aims to attract new investment to the region.
• Increasing productivity.

Previous initiatives funded through the program include industry development and expansion, Aboriginal industry development, agricultural diversification, and tourism expansion, indicating a wide scope for eligible projects.

Funding Scope

The program provides funding for individual projects that directly contribute to specific economic outcomes in regional WA:

• Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $250,000 per project.
• Categories of Funding: Support is provided for projects that address the stated economic growth and development objectives.
• Project Timeline: Not explicitly stated, but applicants must demonstrate the ability to undertake and complete the project, implying a defined project period.

Eligibility Criteria for Regional Economic Development Grants WA

• Legal Entity: Must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Capacity to Contract: Must be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding financial assistance agreement with the WA government.
• Project Completion Capability: Must demonstrate the ability to undertake and successfully complete the proposed project.
• Ongoing Costs: Must show capability to cover ongoing operating and maintenance costs after the grant period, if applicable.
• Financial Contribution: Must provide a minimum 50% cash contribution to the project.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Eligible applicants can seek funding for the following types of projects:

• Contribute to job creation or sustainability.
• Aid in industry expansion or diversification.
• Support skill or capability development.
• Enhance business productivity.
• Attract new investment to the regions. The specific activities and expenses will depend on how they align with these broad objectives and contribute to the economic growth of the respective regional area.

Assessment Process

• Nature of the Grant: Competitive.
• Evaluation Criteria: Applications are assessed by a judging panel. Each of the nine Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) oversees the grant round process for their specific region. Key assessment factors will include how well the project aligns with and achieves the program’s economic growth and development objectives (e.g., job creation, industry expansion, increased productivity).

Recent Program Updates

The RED Grants program is an ongoing initiative of the Western Australian State Government, with Round 8 applications anticipated to open in late 2025. Over $36 million has been allocated across 355 approved projects in previous rounds, demonstrating the program’s continuous impact. The program continues its ten-year commitment of $55.85 million. There have been no new specific legislative changes to the underlying framework of the RED Grants program beyond its established operation under the State Government’s regional development policies.

Application Tips

• Carefully select a project that directly addresses one or more of the program’s economic growth and development objectives.
• Clearly demonstrate how your project will create sustainable jobs, diversify industry, or attract new investment to your specific region.
• Ensure you can provide a minimum 50% cash co-contribution.
• Engage with your relevant Regional Development Commission (RDC) for guidance specific to your region.
• Provide clear evidence of your ability to complete the project and cover any ongoing costs.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.