Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants
ROUND 9 OPEN
The Regional Economic Development Grants (RED Grants) Program was launched in 2018-19 and is a $65 million over twelve years State Government initiative, that invests in locally-driven projects to stimulate job creation and economic growth in regional Western Australia.
Delivered locally by the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC), up to $250,000 is available for individual projects that promote sustainable jobs and workforce solutions, productivity, skills and capability building, as well as stimulating new investment and industry diversification across the region.
The grants boost investment in regional projects that contribute to economic growth initiatives and innovative pilots, and importantly, are driven by the community.
View the full Ministerial Media Statement here.
Funding Opportunities for Regional Growth
Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants
Applications for funding are assessed on a competitive basis, considering their alignment with the GEDC’s strategic regional priorities and clear demonstration of economic diversification and employment outcomes, including the following REDs objectives:
- Sustainable jobs
- Expanding or diversifying industry
- Developing skills or capabilities
- Attracting new investment in the region
- Increasing productivity
Round Nine of the RED Grants Program opened on 27 October 2026 and closes 5pm 14 January 2026.
For further information on the RED Grants Program and future grant rounds, contact the GEDC Grants Team on 9080 5004 or email grants@gedc.wa.gov.au.
View the full list of previous successful RED Grant project recipients Here.
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GUIDELINES + FURTHER INFORMATION
The links below provide guidance around the grant application process, eligibility and program priorities.
- RED Grant Guidelines for Round 9
- RED Grants – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Goldfields-Esperance Regional Priorities
- RED Grant Application Declaration Form
Do you have a great project, ready to be implemented? Let’s chat about it!
Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the GEDC early on in the application process to discuss the suitability and eligibility of your project.
For further information contact the GEDC Grants Team on 9080 5004 or grants@gedc.wa.gov.au.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for RED Grant funding an applicant must:- Be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding and enforceable financial assistance agreement (Grant Agreement) with the Western Australian State Government;
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN);
- Have an account with an authorised deposit-taking institution (an Australian financial institution or bank) registered with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.
Who is not eligible?
You are not eligible to apply if you are a:- State or Federal Government Agency;
- Government Trading Enterprise (GTE);
- School;
- Hospital; or
- A Trustee that is not empowered through the Trust Deed to enter into an agreement with the State Government to receive funding.
What is not eligible?
Items or activities that are not eligible for funding include:- Retrospective payments or expenditure incurred prior to execution of a RED Grants funding agreement;
- Ongoing costs incurred after the initiative is completed (e.g. operating and maintenance costs);
- Existing staff salaries for core business activities;
- Operational overheads (such as rent, insurance, telephone etc.).
Interested in the RED Grants Program?
If you need help to navigate the Regional Economic Development Grant, we have 30 minute one-on-one sessions available with our Grants team, to discuss your project and support you through the application process.
You can also join one of our FREE Grant Writing Workshops, for application tips:
16 November – Kalgoorlie
26 November – Esperance
Call us on (08) 9080 5004 to book your spot or visit: Bookings
Explore Our Past RED Grant Success Stories
Dive into our past successes with RED Grants, showcasing thriving projects that have boosted regional economies.
Esperance Smash Repairs
Esperance Smash Repairs received funding to install a new downforce spray booth. This project has supported job creation and increased capacity and turn around time of vehicle repairs, allowing visitors and locals to get back on the road sooner.
Hopetoun Beachside Caravan Park
Hopetoun Beachside Caravan Park received funding to develop family-friendly and accessible accommodation. This project has supported the construction of two accessible cabins, designed to provide comfortable, short-stay options for a wider range of visitors, including families and people with accessibility needs.
Yirri Grove
Yirri Grove’s intimate paddock to plate restaurant has boosted seating and table capacity and planted additional olive trees, ensuring production can keep up with increasing future demand.
MICA Underground
MICA Underground received a RED Grant through the GEDC to support the purchase of a ‘Cobot’ or a Collaborative Welding Robot, to work alongside the team’s newly skilled workforce.
Bread Local
Funding to support equipment and facility upgrades to expand the artisan bakery, and enabling increased production with power upgrades and additional infrastructure.
Southern Sardines
A project supporting the development of sardine-related businesses in Southern WA, boosting local fishing and processing industries.
Judumul Aboriginal Corporation
Artists from Coolgardie and surrounding areas are now able to design and produce wearable art, providing unique and meaningful employment and training opportunities.
Esperance Honey
Supporting the growth of honey production in Esperance, enhancing local apiaries and promoting the region’s unique honey.
Lucky Bay Brewing
Focusing on craft beer production in Lucky Bay, expanding brewing capabilities and promoting local beer culture.