Western Australian agrifood and beverage product manufacturing businesses are reminded to get their applications in soon for funding to access professional business support services.
Vouchers of up to $10,000 are available to help eligible businesses to engage consultants or technical experts to help grow their business under the Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program, delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Department A/Program Manager Jon Berry said the program supported small to medium-sized enterprises across regional and metropolitan areas to overcome potential barriers to growth, reduce risks around planned expenditure and capture new opportunities for growth.
“Vouchers are available on a dollar for dollar co-contribution basis to help eligible businesses gain expert advice across nine key areas,” Mr Berry said.
“These include business planning, quality assurance, market positioning, e-commerce planning, technology and digital advice, export capability development, technical expertise, planning for investment and transitioning to manufacturing.”
The department has also released the WA Food and Beverage Professional Service Provider Directory, to help connect WA food and beverage product manufacturers with service providers experienced in working with the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
“This directory is designed to maximise the benefits to WA by ensuring food businesses are aware of State-based consultants and technical experts with experience working in the food and beverage sector,” Mr Berry said.
“A broad range of service providers are listed, including export consultancy services, logistics, retail marketing, branding and graphic design, ingredients supply, e-commerce systems, research and development, and sales and distribution service providers.
“Service providers with experience working with food and beverage manufacturers are encouraged to register with the department to establish a profile in the directory.”
Online applications for vouchers close at 5pm on 11 December 2020. More information on the program is available from the department website agric.wa.gov.au/AFBvoucherprogram
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, media liaison (08) 9368 3937