The Digital Transformation Round provides financial support for eligible businesses to adopt and use digital and data technology for the purpose of improving their productivity, competitiveness, resilience, safety and sustainability.
There are two streams of funding available under this round.
Stream 1 – Operational improvements
Applicants can apply for funding for operational /process improvements that will increase efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity, and contribute to a more resilient and streamlined operating environment.
Eligible applicants can receive up to 50% of eligible costs, for a maximum of $25,000 per successful applicant. Examples include, software purchase and integration, cyber audits and mitigation strategies, automation of business processes.
Stream 2 – Advanced technology purchase and integration
Businesses considering applying under this stream are strongly encouraged to email digital.industries@jtsi.wa.gov.au to confirm alignment with the stream, prior to applying.
Applicants can apply for funding towards the purchase of technology that will improve the business’s productivity and competitiveness. This stream is designed to support the purchase of innovative and/or advanced technologies that will increase or improve the business’s deliverables.
Eligible applicants can receive up to 50% of eligible costs, for a maximum of $50,000 per successful applicant. Examples include additive manufacturing software, technologies to support 3D printing; IoT warehousing, predictive maintenance, robotics and automation.
To find out more, read the information below.
Who is eligible
Show moreTo be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be registered for GST for at least 12 months prior to application submission and intend to remain registered for the next 12 months.
- Have been operating in Western Australia for at least three years at the time of application submission.
- Supply goods or services to businesses; or local, state or commonwealth government agencies. Consideration will be given to consumer-focused businesses whose proposed activities demonstrate strong potential to expand into new markets.
- Be a for-profit business, or an incorporated not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation operating as a commercial enterprise.
- Have its principal place of business in Western Australia and remain based there for at least 12 months after submitting the application. This must align with the ‘Main business location’ listed in ABN Lookup.
- Have a turnover of more than $500,000 in at least one of the previous three financial years.
- Have at least one WA based, full-time equivalent (FTE) employee, in addition to the owner, but fewer than 200 FTE total employees at the time of application submission.
See the Guidelines for a complete list of business and project eligibility requirements.
How to apply
Show moreEligible applicants must submit their application online via the SmartyGrants portal.
A preview of the application form detailing the information required is available through the portal.
Before applying, applicants must read and understand the guidelines below and the Financial Assistance Agreement found on the portal.
Assessment Process
Show moreApplications are assessed by an independent Assessment Panel, comprising officers from the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED) and external experts as required.
Applications are evaluated against their eligibility, relevance to the round objectives and the following criteria:
| Evaluation Criteria | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Business need | 30% |
| Solution suitability and implementation readiness | 20% |
| Potential for digital transformation and impact | 30% |
| Value for money | 10% |
| Financial viability and risk | 10% |
A satisfactory response across all criteria is required for a successful application.
Tips to applying
Show moreTips for applying
- Start Early: Leave enough time to collect quotes and prepare evidence.
- Double-Check: Ask someone else to review your application for clarity and completeness.
- Simplify: Write clearly. Imagine explaining the project on your website or social media.
- Be Concise: Include enough detail to support your case, but don’t overwhelm the panel.
- Highlight Strengths: Make it easy for the panel to understand your value proposition.
- Check Eligibility: Make sure your business and activities meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
- Submit Required Documents Only: Extra attachments will not be considered
- Review AI generated content: Make sure the content is relevant to your situation. Using AI-generated content may result in similarities across various applications, which may weaken your competitive edge. Additionally, AI-generated material may contain inaccuracies or misrepresent the unique aspects of your business or project