Role to give help to small businesses

Local jobs and tenders will soon have another level of support as the Pilbara Development Commission announces a new role dedicated to assisting small businesses.

The new local content officer is said to come with a new level of focus to enhance the commission’s existing local business support.

Pilbara Development Commission manager strategy and knowledge Justin Fromm, who will lead the program, said the commission had been active in the space already for several years.

“This new program will enhance our existing efforts to support small business and will also provide some benchmarks for the Pilbara against regional WA,” he said.

“There are strong linkages to the region’s business incubator network, which is currently being established to support start-ups and expanding businesses.”

“There is a wealth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit in the Pilbara already. This is a great opportunity to ensure we are maximising this talent locally.”

The new role will include support for businesses writing tenders, promoting local employment opportunities and establishing a regional capacity database.

“I’m looking forward to upskilling alongside my regional development colleagues later this month and bringing new knowledge and opportunities back to the Pilbara to support our local businesses,” Mr Fromm said.

Since 2015, the commission has facilitated more than $8 million in funding through 40 local business support projects and initiatives, including the Warlu Way Tourism Conference, Creative Business Development Series, East Pilbara Co-working and Innovation Centre, and the Cheeditha Art Glass Enterprise.

Further information about the program will be provided on the commission’s website and through local chambers of commerce as the program is rolled out across the Pilbara.