WA Market Access Grant Scheme (MAGS)

Purpose and Program Overview

The WA Market Access Grant Scheme (MAGS) 2026 is a Western Australian Government initiative. It aims to support local health and medical life sciences companies in accessing global markets. The program provides financial assistance to help businesses attend major industry events.

Delivered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED), the scheme subsidises travel costs. This enables WA-based businesses to showcase innovations, build strategic partnerships, and attract investment.

The total grant funding allocated for the 2026 round is $100,000. The scheme aligns with the WA Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy. Its goal is to diversify the economy and strengthen the state’s reputation as a global health innovation hub.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $5,000 per eligible company.
• Application open and close dates: Grant applications are open until 15 December 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organisations operating in the health and medical life sciences sector.
• Required co-contributions: Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the total eligible travel costs.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Businesses must be headquartered and registered in Western Australia (WA).

Priority Sectors

The grant is strictly targeted at the health and medical life sciences sector. This includes companies developing or expanding relevant technologies in WA. The scheme is not open to a broad range of sectors. Consultants, government agencies, hospitals, universities, and peak bodies are ineligible.

Funding Scope

Market Access Grant Scheme provides financial assistance to cover travel and event attendance costs. It is not structured into separate funding streams.

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Up to $5,000 is available per company.
• Categories or streams of funding: Funding is for Export Market Development, specifically event attendance and business development.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Travel must occur between 1 January and 30 June 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible businesses must meet these requirements:

• Be headquartered and registered in Western Australia.
• Operate in the health and medical life sciences sector.
• Be a legally solvent SME or not-for-profit with fewer than 200 employees.
• Hold a valid ABN, ACN, or Certificate of Incorporation.
• Have been operating for at least 24 months, or be a spin-out from a university or medical research institute.
• Have the financial capacity to cover the required 20% co-contribution.
• Submit only one application per company.
• Not receive duplicate funding from other WA Government programs for the same activity.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The Market Access Grant Scheme supports travel and related costs for market access events. The grant supports:

• Export market development: Attendance at major domestic or international conferences, expos, exhibitions, or showcases related to health and medical life sciences.
• Business event costs:
  • Event registration and exhibitor fees.
  • Official business event costs, such as conference dinners.
  • Economy airfares, accommodation (3–4 star hotels), and ground transport.
  • Visas and travel insurance.

Note that costs incurred before grant approval are not reimbursable.

Assessment Process

The MAGS 2026 is a competitive grant program. It is not an entitlement.

Applications are assessed by a judging panel. The assessment considers how the grant funding contributes to the project’s merit and success.

Key criteria for a competitive application include:

• A clear travel budget with quotes.
• Demonstration of the activity’s ability to build strategic partnerships and attract investment.
• Strategic alignment with the WA Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy.
• Evidence of financial capacity to meet the required 20% co-contribution.

Recent Program Updates

This grant represents the 2026 round of the scheme. The total funding allocated for this round is $100,000. Travel activity must be completed by 30 June 2026.

Application Tips

• Double-check the travel dates. The travel must be scheduled between 1 January and 30 June 2026.
• Prepare key documents in advance. Provide a detailed travel budget with accurate quotes for all expenses.
• Align the proposal with government priorities. Clearly demonstrate how attending the specific event will expand your commercial reach and align with the WA life sciences strategy.
• Demonstrate capability and financial readiness. Confirm you have the financial capacity to meet the minimum 20% co-contribution.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the program’s official website and other associated Australian government websites.