Business and Investment
Invest South West
'Invest South West' is a South West Development Commission program, which aims to boost economic development in the Region.
Invest South West aims to sustain a dynamic and resilient economy, establish and expand international trade relations and encourage businesses, new investment and skilled people into the region.
Through Invest South West the South West Development Commission provides services in the following areas:
- Local Business and Industry
- Exporters (TradeStart)
- Investors
- Skilled Migrants
- Business MigrantsLocal Business and Industry
Local Business and Industry
The Commission helps local business and industry to establish, expand and diversify. To this end the Commission has established efficient working relationships with other organisations and government departments in the region, such as the local Business Enterprise Centres, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Industry and Resources and Austrade.
For further information on our services to business and industry please email our Manager Regional Development or phone + 61 8 9792 2000.
Exporters (TradeStart)
In 2002 the South West Development Commission signed an agreement with Austrade to deliver TradeStart services to first-time exporters in the South West Region. TradeStart offers a package of free services designed to assist small and medium sized Australian companies develop their business overseas and make their first export sale.
The TradeStart program includes advice and information about getting into exporting, export coaching and assistance on the ground in foreign markets.
For further information on TradeStart or other export assistance contact our TradeStart Advisor, or phone + 61 8 9792 2000 or 0427 429 016.
Investors
The South West is credited with the most diverse regional economy of Western Australia. With a growing population the region offers the investor a range of opportunities for future growth.
The South West Region has access to transport networks (including road, rail, air and port facilities), appropriately zoned industrial parks, significant coal and gas reserves and connection to power, water and gas.
The Kemerton Industrial Park, which is situated 17 kilometres northeast of the Port of Bunbury, is a dedicated estate for heavy industry. Proximity to urban areas provides the park with access to an established and skilled labour force. Power, water and gas resources are available, and major transport links are located immediately east and west of the park.
A detailed listing of supporting goods and services for major industry investment in the South West Region is detailed in our Industry Suppliers database.
Skilled Migrants
SWDC acts as a Certifying Body on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs with regards to two Regional Migration Schemes; the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and the Long-Stay Temporary Business Visa.
These Migration Schemes allow local businesses to sponsor a skilled migrant to fill a vacancy in their business, provided they have been unable to find a suitable person on the local labour market.
We have a team in place to assist local businesses with the process involved in employing a skilled person from overseas.
To discuss your specific requirements email Geraldine Wilson, or phone +61 8 9792 2000.
Business Migrants
The South West Region is an increasingly popular location for business migrants. SWDC offers assistance to migrants who are interested in buying or establishing a business in the South West.
The Small Business Development Corporation manages a variety of business migration schemes, including state sponsorship and the Business Migrant Incentive Program. Please visit the Small Business Development Corporation website for further detail.
To discuss your specific requirements or to obtain further information on business migration assistance available email Geraldine Wilson or phone +61 8 9792 2000.