WA Local Capability Fund – Standards Compliance Round

Purpose and Program Overview

The WA Local Capability Fund – Standards Compliance Round is a targeted grant program by the Western Australian Government designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting and certifying key national and international standards. The program aims to enhance the capability, competitiveness, and sustainability of WA SMEs by funding external expertise to implement and achieve third-party certification of relevant standards. This improves operational excellence, risk management, and market access, enabling businesses to better compete locally and globally.

With a significant funding pool allocated for this round, the program plays a crucial role in helping businesses reduce inefficiencies, improve environmental and safety outcomes, secure government and large commercial contracts, and enhance export readiness. By supporting certification in standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and others, the fund supports industry-wide uplift and sustainable business practices across Western Australia.

This initiative complements broader state strategies to grow local industry, foster sustainable economic development, and embed quality and risk management systems essential for long-term business success.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $20,000 per applicant, covering 50% of eligible costs

• Application open: Open now for the 2025–26 round

• Application close: 4 September 2025 or until funding is fully allocated

• Eligible industries/business types: Western Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in trade-exposed or competitive sectors

• Co-contributions: Mandatory 50% co-contribution of eligible project costs (excluding GST) by the applicant

• Location/state/territory applicability: Western Australia only

Priority Sectors

LCF Standards Compliance Round is open to a broad range of industries but prioritizes SMEs in trade-exposed sectors that face competition nationally or internationally. Eligible standards support sectors including but not limited to manufacturing, technology, medical devices, energy, steel fabrication, and environmental management.

Funding Scope

• Funding range: Up to $20,000 per grant, with matching funding required

• Eligible standards include:

  • ISO 9001 – Quality management

  • ISO 14001 – Environmental management

  • ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety

  • ISO 27001 – Information security

  • ISO 50001 – Energy management

  • AS/NZS 5131 – Steel industry compliance

  • ISO 13485:2016 – Medical devices quality systems

• Eligible activities: Implementation consulting, gap analysis, documentation development, staff training, initial certification audit fees, and related travel expenses for certification auditors

• Exclusions: Surveillance audits, re-certification, in-house labour costs, retroactive expenses

• Project timeline: Implementation and certification must be completed within the funding period, generally the 2025–26 financial year

Grant Amount in Total

• The total funding pool is part of the broader WA Local Capability Fund, with multiple rounds running concurrently. Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until fully committed.

Eligibility Criteria

• Registered WA-based SMEs with an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and GST registration for at least 12 months

• Operating in trade-exposed or competitive industries facing national or international competition

• Business must have been operating for at least three years in Western Australia

• Employ fewer than 200 staff

• Applicants must demonstrate capacity to provide 50% matching funds

• For ISO 13485 applicants, audits must be conducted by approved certifying bodies compliant with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Consultancy for implementation of management systems and standards

• Gap analysis and development or revision of business procedures and documentation

• Staff training on new management systems

• Initial certification audit fees (excluding surveillance and re-certification)

• Travel, accommodation, and related costs for certification auditors directly associated with the first certification audit

Assessment Process

• Competitive, merit-based funding allocation assessed on a rolling basis

• Evaluation focuses on:

  • Alignment with program objectives and trade-exposed industry support

  • Demonstrated business need and benefit

  • Financial viability and compliance with co-contribution requirements

  • Capability of external consultants engaged

Recent Program Updates

• The 2025–26 Standards Compliance Round opened with funding available until 4 September 2025 or until fully allocated

• Strengthened guidance on ISO 13485 compliance requirements following TGA recommendations

• Continued emphasis on supporting Western Australian SMEs to improve quality, safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability

• Streamlining of application and reporting processes for applicant convenience

Application Tips

• Verify eligibility and ensure compliance with required standards and TGA audit prerequisites if applicable

• Prepare detailed and eligible cost estimates demonstrating co-contribution capability

• Engage qualified and recognized external consultants with proven expertise

• Schedule certification activities so they can be completed within the funding period

• Submit applications early to secure funding before allocation closure

• Utilize available government materials and seek assistance from grant specialists for application preparation

Where to Get Help for LCF Standards Compliance Round

Consider consulting with professional grant specialists such as Pattens Group for eligibility assessment and tailored application support. Official program guidelines, application forms, and support services are accessible via the Western Australian Government Local Capability Fund webpage.