On Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2022 (MSME Day), celebrated today by nations across the world, the McGowan Government acknowledges the important contributions made by more than 220,000 small and family businesses in Western Australia.
WA small businesses make up 97 per cent of all businesses State-wide, employing 38 per cent of the WA workforce and contributing more than $54 billion to private sector economic activity around the State.
The small business sector plays an essential role in diversifying WA's economy, recognised through investment by the McGowan Government in programs and grants such as:
- $1.7 billion to support WA businesses experiencing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic;
- the Access Asia Business Grants program to help SMEs grow their export capability to key Asian markets;
- a $2 million Local Capability Fund (LCF) to assist local businesses to improve their capacity to supply goods, services and works to the State Government, major projects and other important markets; and
- the ongoing free and low-cost advice and support for small businesses around the State delivered through the Small Business Development Corporation.
WA consumers are encouraged to join the McGowan Government in thanking small and family businesses on MSME Day by shopping with them and acknowledging their contribution to jobs, the economy and our communities.
As stated by Small Business Minister Don Punch:
"Supporting and recognising small business is vitally important, as they contribute so much to our economy, society and local communities.
"Today on MSME Day, I want to personally say 'thank you' to all WA micro, small and family businesses.
"Small business is the backbone of our economy and the heart of our local communities, and MSME Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the difference the sector makes to our State."
