Business Grants

Unlock new business possibilities with a ‘Small Business grant’

The City is committed to empowering micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, and we are excited to announce the opening of the $100,000 business grant pool designed to help you accelerate your professional growth and unlock new possibilities!  

Applications open on Monday 29 January. Businesses can apply for grants in one of three categories:  

  • Professional training and development: Enhance your skills and knowledge in any area relevant to your business.  
  • Digital technology and cybersecurity: Invest in software, hardware, or services to improve your online operations and protect your data.  
  • Innovation and major projects: Drive new initiatives or expand your business with exciting projects. 

Is my business eligible? 

To be eligible for a grant, businesses must be: 

  1. Based in Cockburn, or demonstrate a primary service to the Cockburn community 
  2. Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  3. Subscribed to the Business in Cockburn e-newsletter 
  4. Qualify as a micro, small, or medium business (1 to 199 employees) 
  5. Maintain all appropriate insurances and licences. 

Applicants that will be using suppliers based in Cockburn will be considered favourably. 

Initiatives funded by the grant in previous years include a bike fitting service, social media marketing training for an online swimwear and jewellery business, and an e-commerce website for a cookie company. 

Another past grant recipient, Rig Mate, took their uniquely designed and manufactured paternoster fishing rig to the big leagues after attending a Gold Coast fishing tradeshow. Owned by Miriam and James, their proactiveness landed orders, sparked significant interest from potential buyers in Australia and overseas, forged valuable contacts, and gave them a deep market understanding – all thanks to the grant. 

Still not sure if your business would qualify? Then talk to our Business Engagement Officer using the contact details below. 

Applications currently closed

Applications for this round of grants have now closed. To find out when the next round of grants will re-open, make sure to sign up to the Business Newsletter,

Grant FAQ

How do I apply for a business grant?

Applications for business grants are made online through SmartyGrants. SmartyGrants is an easy to use, secure portal that keeps all your application documents in one place. You will need access to the internet and a computer, tablet or smart phone to use SmartyGrants.

How can I apply if I don’t have a computer?
The City’s libraries provide free access to computers when you join the library. To find out about joining the library visit Cockburn Libraries.
What kinds of projects have been approved for funding in the past?
Each year business grants fund a range of projects across the different streams of funding.

In 2023, 29 local businesses shared over $100,000 worth of funding for projects such as:
  • A professional bike fitting service delivered by a local physio therapist
  • A mobile sensory gym delivered by an occupational therapist
  • Development of an e-commerce website for a cookie company
  • Trade show exhibitor stand for a local fishing tackle retailer.
Find out more about the 2023 grant winners.
What supporting documents will I need to have ready for my application?

Supporting documentation is a vital part of your grant application. Unfortunately many valid applications cannot proceed due to insufficient supporting documentation.

Supporting documents may include:

  • Two quotations for items above $500

  • Current bank statements

  • Letters of support 

  • Plans or photographs.

What does a quotation need to include to be valid?

Please ensure that if you are requesting funding for items of $500 and above, that two quotations are provided.

To be a valid quotation it must include:

  • Quote issue and expiry date – it is common for a quotation to include a period within which the quotation is valid eg 30 days

  • ABN/CAN – the organisation providing the quotation must have their ABN or CAN displayed clearly

  • Organisation's address 

  • The price for goods or services.

When will I need to provide a quotation?

You will need to provide two quotations per item that is over $500. Remember that quotations can take some time to secure, so be prepared and secure your two quotations well in advance of the closing date of each round. 

Please note applications that make multiple price estimations for goods and services under $500 are best supported with supporting documentation illustrating the accuracy of these estimates. For example, a photograph of the price tag or screen snip from a website to demonstrate how you reached this estimate if under $500.

What is not funded by the Business Grants?
  • Projects that have already occurred or commenced 
  • ​New projects where previous City of Cockburn funding has not been acquitted 
  • Funding to political parties, government departments and agencies, or individuals
  • Projects or programs that rely on existing funding from the City of Cockburn 
  • Projects that require multi-year funding
  • Expenses without documentation 
  • Payment of debts to any entity 
  • Items covered by State and Federal government funding packages 
  • Utility charges
  • Council rates 
  • Insurance payments 
  • Consumables  
  • Franchise fees 
  • Projects or activities which exclude or offend segments of the community 
  • Projects or activities which could present a hazard to the community or environment or promote antisocial behaviour 
  • Wages or salaries.

Sustainability Grants Program (A Better Tomorrow)

The Sustainability Grants Program offers funding for projects in Cockburn that align with six sustainability themes, including social equity, climate change resilience, community capacity building, resource efficiency, alternative transport, and public health. Small businesses, schools, not-for-profits, and collective households may apply for up to $4,000 towards a project.

These grants support a wide range of initiatives, for example, native or productive food gardens, TravelSmart events, healthy lifestyle programs, and more. Applications are open year-round, with assessments occurring in April and November.

For detailed information, guidelines, and how to apply, please visit the Sustainability Grants Program page.

Find other business grants

If you are looking for additional grants, funding, and support programs from across government to help your business grow and succeed, you can search the business.gov.au – grants and programs finder.

The Small Business Development Corporation has a useful article on Government Grants: Your Questions Answered.

More information and contact

For more information or assistance with grants please contact our Business Engagement Officer on (08) 9411 3444 or email [email protected].

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaadatj dayin boodja, kep wer malayin. Ngalak kaadatj koora koora wer yeyi ngalang birdiya.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.