A swathe of innovative programs and initiatives will continue to run after the City of Karratha council extended its collaboration with the Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Councillors agreed to provide the KDCCI with funding through its Development Support Grant scheme over the next three years.
The funding will help the KDCCI deliver business support initiatives for the next three years, including its well-established events and initiatives, including the Pilbara Indigenous Business Networking Group, Careers Expo, and Pilbara Women in Business.
The events delivered have a wide reach and benefit the local economy through the upskilling and training the business community, encouraging businesses to adopt best practices, and promoting a ‘support local’ philosophy.
Launched in 2016, the Business Development Support Grant scheme allows local collaborators and organisations to apply for grant funding to develop and deliver innovative projects in the region.
City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said extending the partnership with the KDCCI would help the Chamber continue to assist the business community to increase their capability through training, promoting local procurement, and networking.
“Since launching this grants scheme, we have supported 58 programs across five organisations in our community, helping these businesses deliver innovative projects that benefit our community,” Cr Long said.
Cr Long said the Council reviewed the grants policy to allow applicants to apply for funding for up to three years.
“Allowing organisations to apply for funding for up to three years will help provide the applicants with greater certainty when delivering these innovative and fantastic projects for our business community,” Cr Long said.
“The Chamber provides vital events with a wide reach and benefits to the local economy, and the City is proud to extend our support with this multi-year grant.”