$200,000 investment supports 22 SMEs to become Defence-Ready

• WA Government announces 22 businesses that will share $200,000 to help them to win Defence contracts
• The WA Defence-Ready Initiative delivered through Defence West will provide grants of up to $15,000 to successful applicants
• Initiative provides financial support to WA small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve their business capabilities and meet Defence's requirements 

The Western Australian Government has today announced the 22 SMEs that will share $200,000 in funding to help them become Defence-Ready.

The businesses will receive between $3,000 and $15,000 from the Defence-Ready Initiative to improve their capabilities in areas of need and support WA's defence industry.

Businesses can use the funds to improve their capability to meet Defence's needs. This includes compliance with security requirements, certifications, appropriate cyber security and engagement with the Centre for Defence Industry Capability.

The 22 successful recipients encompass a range of industries including ship maintenance and security services.

The WA Government established the Defence-Ready Initiative to increase the number of WA SMEs that are 'Defence-Ready' - capable of applying for Department of Defence work - and increase their opportunities in the defence supply chain.

The initiative supports the Government's vision for the defence sector to become a key pillar of the Western Australian economy.

For more information, visit the Defence West website at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation/defence-west

Comments attributed to Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:

"The 35 applications we received for this initiative show the state's defence industry is expanding and wants to be Defence-Ready.

"I would like to congratulate the 22 successful applicants who made it through the very competitive process.

"The successful applicants will not only improve WA's capacity to complete current projects but also demonstrate our readiness to secure billions of dollars of more Defence work in the coming years."

Minister's office - 6552 5600

A list of successful applicants and the amounts to be received are summarised below: