Published on Monday, 9 November 2026 at 3:12:06 PM
The Pilbara Development Commission is excited to announce that applications are officially open for Round 9 of the State Government’s Regional Economic Development grants program, empowering local organisations to drive real economic impact and employment opportunities across the region.
Delivered by the Pilbara Development with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the program plays a vital role in stimulating regional development and backing locally-driven projects across the Pilbara.
Minister for the Pilbara Amber-Jade Sanderson said RED Grants were backing local businesses, creating jobs and strengthening regional communities.
"The Pilbara is an economic powerhouse, but it's the hardworking people, local businesses and strong communities that make this region so special," Minister Sanderson said.
"We're backing local ideas to create more good jobs, grow local industries and make sure the people who live and work in the Pilbara benefit from its success."
Pilbara Development Commission Chief Executive Officer Simon Taylor said the program had a demonstrated track record of helping businesses turn transformative ideas into reality.
"Past recipients in the Pilbara have shown just how powerful this funding can be in building long-term business capability and expanding new services and product offerings for people across the region," Mr Taylor said.
“It’s really exciting to see Round 9 open with a total funding pool available of more than $500,000.
“The Commission will be offering a series of information workshops for Pilbara businesses and entrepreneurs to provide some assistance and guidance with developing a successful application.”
Past RED Grant recipients in the Pilbara are encouraging emerging businesses to apply for Round 9.
Red Dog Renewables Chief Operations Officer Jason Gore said his business had utilised RED Grant support to pioneer high-voltage infrastructure, training, and specialist servicing in the Pilbara for the region’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.
"What the RED Grant allowed us to do is to create this wonderful workshop, purchase a lot of equipment that's unique to EV servicing, like specialist high-voltage tooling,” Mr Gore said.
“It's given us the ability to get our technicians through the requisite training. It's really given us a strong platform to be able to expand our business to cater to the unique market of EVs in the Pilbara."
Tjamu Tjamu (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC was awarded a RED Grant to kickstart the development of a civil contracting social enterprise in the remote Kiwirrkurra community.
The corporation's Chief Executive Julian Santamaria said the grant was being used to acquire a water truck for use in exploration and municipal works.
"The RED Grant has certainly opened up that opportunity in Kiwirrkurra, and the application process was not a complicated one," Mr Santamaria said.
"We would certainly be encouraging other communities in other parts of the Pilbara to get involved in the RED Grant program, because it can open up a whole range of new possibilities."
Pilbara Dive and Tours owner Natalie Callanan said a RED Grant had allowed her business to transform and expand its offering, showcasing the unique marine environment of the Dampier Archipelago.
“The RED Grant allowed us to expand our range of tours across the 42 islands of the Dampier Archipelago,” Ms Callanan said.
"What began as a focus on scuba diving has grown to include heritage tours, snorkelling experiences, sunset tours, island clean-ups and more, allowing us to share the region’s incredible marine environment, history and natural beauty with a wider range of visitors.
“It was quite an easy process, and doing the application online was simple. I would definitely encourage other business owners in the Pilbara to go for it.”
To help local businesses and organisations learn more about the application process, the Pilbara Development Commission will be hosting a series of free information sessions across the region in November.
Commission staff will be on hand at each location to answer questions and provide guidance on applications.
Sessions will be held in Roebourne (November 9), South Hedland (November 10), Newman (November 12), Karratha (November 16), Onslow (November 23), and Tom Price (November 24).
Full details, times, and venue information are available at pdc.wa.gov.au. Applications for Round 9 are now open on the Pilbara Development Commission website and will close on Thursday, 14 January 2027.
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