The third round of the WA state government’s X-TEND WA grant program is now open, with applications due in by 11am on Weds, 1 December.
Grants of up to $100K are on offer, with a total amount of $500K available for this round.
Established in 2019 to grow capability and capacity within WA’s innovation community, X-TEND invests in programs empowering local entrepreneurs, startups, emerging businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to better navigate their commercialisation journey.
X-TEND also helps fund programs that improve investor education and build confidence in investing in innovative projects. So often in WA, we hear that there is loads of money around, but very little seems to hit the early stage tech sector. This program looks to improve that, by not only encouraging the education of entrepreneurs but also investors.
So, if you have a program, or can design a program, that fits this need, you may want to think about putting in an application.
In the first two rounds of X-TEND, the WA Government awarded $933,000 to 11 education programs that supported sectors including health tech, space supply chain, youth entrepreneurship, regional innovation, export market entry and angel investment.
“One way we know we can help grow and connect Western Australia’s innovation community is by increasing access to education programs, not only for startups and SMEs but also investors,” said WA Minister for Innovation, Don Punch MLA.
Innovation has no boundaries. Over the past three years, the WA Government’s X-TEND WA program has supported entrepreneur and investor education programs from across the state and a wide range of industry sectors.
We received great feedback following the first two rounds of X-TEND and I strongly encourage service providers in Perth and the regions to apply for round three of the program.
Don Punch, Minister for ICT and Innovation
Eligible programs may take the form of educational forums, workshops, mentoring, and incubator and accelerator programs.
Proposed programs must be delivered in WA over 12 months and contribute towards the growth of the innovation community. Applications that strengthen innovation ecosystem collaboration and improve access to, or participation in, the WA innovation community are encouraged.
The X-TEND WA grants program is part of the New Industries Fund from JTSI. More information and application details are available on the JTSI website.
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Disclosure: The New Industries Fund is a sponsor of Startup News
