Whether you operate a trade in Karratha, a retail store in Port Hedland, or a tourism venture in Newman, your customers are looking for you online before they ever walk through your door.

In today’s connected economy, your digital front door is just as important as your physical one.

While the Pilbara is built on strong local relationships, how regional businesses present themselves online has changed dramatically. A working, up-to-date digital presence is no longer just a nice extra—it is one of the most effective ways to capture local contracts, attract new residents, and build lasting customer trust.

Getting started online: support for Pilbara businesses

Building an online presence can help Pilbara businesses reach more customers, improve visibility, manage enquiries, take bookings or payments, and compete for local and regional opportunities. This information brings together practical programs, grants and training options to help new businesses take their first steps online.

Start with digital advice

The Digital Solutions Program is a useful first step for small businesses that want practical help to get online. It can support businesses to improve websites, social media, e-commerce, online booking or payment systems, business software and cyber security. For Western Australia, the provider is BUSY Business. Contact: digitalsolutions@busybusiness.com.au or 07 2141 4025.

Build your business and digital skills

The WA Small Business Development Corporation provides online workshops that can help new businesses understand digital marketing, social media, content creation, online reviews, business planning and financial management. The workshops can be useful before engaging a consultant or applying for funding.

Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce

Local chambers of commerce can help new businesses connect with training, networking, business development programs, events and local support. They are also a useful first contact for understanding local business conditions and opportunities across the Pilbara.

• Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

CORE Innovation Hub Newman provides co-working, meeting and event space, business programs, networking and innovation support for start-ups, suppliers and industry working across the mining, energy and resources sectors in Newman and the broader Pilbara.

Check grants and funding options

Grants can help reduce the cost of establishing or improving an online presence. Funding availability and eligibility can change, so check the current guidelines before applying.

Local government grants and support

• City of Karratha: Take your business online and Business development support grant
• Town of Port Hedland: Economic Development and Diversification Fund
• Shire of East Pilbara: Business Grants Information
• Shire of Ashburton: Small Business Grants

 State and Australian Government grants

• The Local Capability Fund can support eligible WA businesses to increase capability and competitiveness, including through digital transformation and regional funding streams.
• AusIndustry helps small and medium businesses navigate local, state and Australian Government support.
• The Industry Growth Program may support eligible businesses undertaking commercialisation or growth projects aligned with national priority areas.

Grant Writing Tips

• Confirm your ABN, business location, insurance, licences and eligibility requirements.
• Prepare a short project description explaining what you want to do and how it will help your business.
• Get quotes before applying for grant funding, where required.
• Check whether the grant is matched funding, reimbursed after payment, or paid upfront.
• Make sure you can complete the project within the required timeframe.

Aboriginal and First Nations business support

• Indigenous Business Australia provides advice, workshops and finance to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people start or grow a business.
• The First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program provides free mentoring support to eligible First Nations tourism businesses.
• The Indigenous Advancement Strategy provides funding for organisations to undertake projects or activities that promote equal opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
• The Indigenous Wages Rebate WA provides payroll tax rebate support when businesses hire new Indigenous employees.

A simple pathway to get online

1. Define your goal: Decide whether you need a simple online profile, website, social media pages, Google Business Profile, online bookings, e-commerce, digital marketing or customer management tools.
2. Get advice first: Use the Digital Solutions Program or SBDC workshops to understand your options and create a practical action plan.
3. Check grants: Review local government and state funding options before committing to paid work.
4. Start with the essentials: Prioritise accurate contact details, a clear mobile-friendly website or landing page, updated Google Business Profile and professional social media presence.
5. Build over time: Add online payments, booking systems, email marketing, customer relationship management software, automation and cyber security improvements as the business grows.