South West business boost of $2 million on offer

• Final round of Community Small Grants Fund (CSGF) now open
• Businesses and community organisations in WA's South West can apply for up to $100,000
• The CSGF is a part of the Cook Government's Native Forest Transition's Industry and Community Development Programs

Applications are now open for the second and final round of the Community Small Grants Fund (CSGF).

The Cook Government has ensured $2 million is on offer for eligible businesses and community organisations in Western Australia's South West region.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available with workshops to support potential applicants being held in Bridgetown and Manjimup on March 12 along with Nannup on March 13.

The first round of CSGF provided 27 small businesses and community groups with almost $2 million in funding.

Successful projects included a new luxury glamping experience in Nannup, an upgrade to the Manjimup Speedway Club and the installation of public facilities at an outdoor community space in Greenbushes.

Since making the historic decision to end commercial native logging more than two years ago, the State Government has committed $80 million to support the transition of workers, businesses and communities linked to the industry.

Applications for the final CSGF round are now open and will close on April 24.

For more information see: www.wa.gov.au/nft

Comments attributed to Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"The Community Small Grants Fund has been a great success in helping those small businesses who are transitioning away from the native forest industry as well as boosting local communities.

"This is an exciting new time for our South West with projects from our first round spanning a range of industries including tourism, entertainment, sports, agriculture and health."

Comments attributed to Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:

"So many success stories have come from of our first round of funding - community organisations and businesses alike including the establishment of the Nannup Geopark to South West Snails expansion of their edible snail business.

"I recently visited the Aerial Adventure Pemberton - a new zip-line, high ropes course - where they said securing funding had enabled them to open in December and make the most of school holidays tourism.

"I encourage anyone who is thinking of applying for a CSGF to attend one of our upcoming information sessions, to see how the funding can benefit your community group or business."