- Local Capability Fund's (LCF) Digital Transformation Round supporting 100 local businesses
- Part of government's efforts to ensure Western Australia remains the best place in the world to do business
- Round offered two streams for the first time with record number of applications
- LCF has helped generate more than $1.6 billion in contract awards and creating thousands of jobs across WA
The Cook Government is ensuring Western Australia remains the best place in the world to do business through the latest the Local Capability Fund's Digital Transformation Round (DTR).
Through the fund, 100 WA small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being supported to adopt new technologies and strengthen their competitiveness.
These businesses will share in more than $2.4 million in matched funding, enabling them to invest in digital tools and systems that improve productivity, efficiency, resilience, and safety.
This year, the DTR was delivered across two streams, with stream one focused on operational improvements such as cybersecurity upgrades, software purchases, and system integration. Eighty-one companies will share more than $1.5 million through this stream, with matched funding of up to $25,000.
The second stream, introduced this year, provides matched funding of up to $50,000 for advanced technology purchases and integration. Nineteen SMEs will share $820,000 under this new stream.
Funding will help businesses use new technologies like robotics, automation, 3D printing, advanced imaging, and smart sensors powered by artificial intelligence.
These improvements aim to boost productivity in key sectors such as manufacturing, medical and life sciences, and construction.
This latest funding round delivers on a key action area of the Cook Government's Digital Industries Acceleration Strategy, which highlights the importance of supporting businesses to adopt new technology for enhancing productivity and growing WA's digital economy.
Last year's DTR supported 77 SMEs to adopt digital technologies.
Since receiving this funding, businesses have reported significant improvements in productivity with quicker turnaround times, access to new markets, and improved internal digital capabilities.
The LCF has awarded more than $30 million to over 870 WA businesses, including more than 440 in regional areas since its inception.
This support has helped generate more than $1.6 billion in contract awards and contributed to the creation of more than 1,190 jobs and over 200 apprenticeships State-wide.
To find out more about the DTR recipients, visit www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/local-capability-fund-2025-26-digital-transformation-round-recipients
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"I want Western Australia to be the best place in the world to do business, which is why we're supporting small businesses through the Local Capability Fund.
"These businesses are the backbone of our economy and giving them access to modern digital tools and technologies is critical if we want WA to remain competitive.
"With this latest round of the fund, we're helping 100 businesses take the next step so they can grow, create jobs and compete globally."
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Digital Transformation Round is delivering real change, it's enabling WA SMEs to upgrade their systems, boost productivity, strengthen resilience and embrace technology and continuous innovation.
"Whether it's investing in software, cybersecurity, or advanced automation, the matched funding is helping businesses modernise and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
"As part of the Cook Government's Digital Industries Acceleration Strategy, this support ensures WA businesses have the tools they need to thrive now, and well into the future."
