There are many sources of funding available through grant programs from both the public and private sectors that can be obtained for tourism purposes. Grants, funding programs and industry assistance are available from Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
Australian Government
The Australian Government GrantsLINK website provides information on what grants and other assistance is available for starting and expanding your business, research and development, innovation and exporting.
There are lots of programs which will help with general business development. Some of the programs which readily deal with tourism product include;
TQUAL Grants, formerely known as the Australian Tourism Development Programme, is a highly competitive merit based grants programme administered by the Australian Government, which aims to stimulate sustainable growth in the Australian tourism industry.
The Australian Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, opened TQUAL Grants on 15 April 2009. Application for the 2009 round of funding have now closed (11 June 2009).
TQUAL Grants application documents are available from www.ret.gov.au/tourism or www.ausindustry.gov.au/tourism and following the links to TQUAL Grants. Alternatively, a CD can be ordered through the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46 or hotline@ausindustry.gov.au.
In preparing applications, applicants should make themselves aware of Tourism WA's strategic plans and policies as part of the assessment process will involve determining alignment with State tourism plans. The relevant Tourism WA key plans are:
Tourism Western Australia Strategic Plan_2008 to 2013.pdf (3.81 MB)
The States 5 Destination Development Strategies:
Australia's South West Destination Development Strategy 2007-2017 (1.46MB)
Australia's Coral Coast Destination Development Strategy 2007-2017 (980KB)
Australia's Golden Outback Destination Development Strategies 2007-2017 (836KB)
Australia's North West Destination Development Strategy 2007-2017 (1.81MB)
Experience Perth Destination Development Strategy 2007-2017 (984KB)
(The above documents are large files. To save, use the right click on your mouse and select "Save Target As")
For further information about Western Australian strategies and plans please email jim.sargent@westernaustralia.com
Other Australian Government Initiatives:
- AusIndustry, Export Market Development Grants (for international marketing).
State Government
The Western Australia State Government 'Grants Referral Directory' provides information about grants and assistance programs for regional and metropolitan communities, businesses and local governments. The Small Business Development Corporation also provides information about grants available for small business in Western Australia.
There are lots of program which will help with general business development. One grant program which has assisted tourism ideas is;
Indigenous businesses
There are a number of programs available to assist Indigenous Tourism Businesses get started. Indigenous Tourism Australia provides businesses with useful funding information.
Tourism Western Australia
Tourism Western Australia supports the EventsCorp Regional Events Scheme which provides funding for regional events.
General funding
The Small Business Development Corporation provides a comprehensive listing of current grant information across government, philanthropic and cooperative providers. In addition, Philanthropy Australia has a directory of organisations offering grants available for purchase.
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