REDIS funding to help horse-breeding firm provide embryo transfer service

30/8/94

A Western Australian horse-breeding firm is to build a facility at Muchea to provide embryo transfer and artificial insemination services with the support of State Government funding.

Equine Breeding Services is among six Western Australian businesses which will receive funding under the Regional Enterprise Development Initiative Scheme (REDIS).  They will receive their grants through their local Business Enterprise Centre.

The grants total $188,605 and it is estimated that 29 full-time jobs and 12 part-time jobs will be created as a result of the scheme.

"The REDIS scheme was established to help businesses that undertake to increase investment and employment at a local level," said Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan.

"Grants were made for up to 15 per cent of the total funds required for developing the business proposal in regional WA.

"The proposals were for the establishment of a new business or for existing businesses that were looking to expand or diversify."

Equine Breeding Services will receive a grant for $30,000.  This will enable them to provide their services for the local and overseas horse industries.  It will also provide full-time employment for eight people and part-time jobs for two.

Mr Cowan said the number and size of the business proposals put to REDIS for grants indicated a growing confidence in rural WA.  This confidence has been assisted and promoted by the REDIS scheme.

Four rounds of grants under the REDIS scheme have now been announced and the scheme has helped a big number of companies across regional WA.

The scheme is now being reviewed to find a way of better targeting businesses in country areas to help generate rural economies.

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595