The City of Karratha has endorsed a new three-year service agreement with the Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KDCCI), committing more than $500,000 to support small and medium businesses across the region.
KDCCI is a not-for-profit organisation delivering business support, networking, advocacy and industry engagement services, and will continue to act as a key delivery partner for the City’s economic development objectives.
As part of the agreement, funding will support a range of established programs and initiatives, including the Pilbara Indigenous Business Networking Group, Grow Local Program, Business Breakfast Briefings and the Business Excellence Awards.
The renewed agreement builds on a strong history of collaboration between the City and KDCCI, with the Chamber continuing to play a key role in strengthening the local economy and supporting a diverse and resilient business sector.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the City was proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Chamber.
“The KDCCI delivers a structured business development program that operates as an economic development delivery partner to the City,” Mayor Scott said.
“It fills a critical gap, providing training, coaching, networking opportunities and workforce development initiatives that build capability, encourage Aboriginal economic participation and help local businesses grow.
“We are pleased to extend this agreement and provide certainty to the Chamber, enabling it to plan and deliver programs that respond to the evolving needs of local businesses over the next three years.”
KDCCI Chief executive Sarah Whelan said strong partnerships between local government and the business community are essential to building a diversified and resilient regional economy.
“The City of Karratha’s support enables KDCCI to extend economic development capacity by delivering practical programs, advocacy and engagement that would otherwise require substantial internal resourcing,” she said.
“This collaborative model ensures local businesses have a coordinated voice and access to opportunities that drive investment, capability and long-term prosperity for Karratha.”