Agritourism operators looking to fund innovative projects, commercialise new ideas, or enhance their business capabilities have a significant new opportunity, with the Cook Government opening the latest round of the Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) and Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG) programs. The announcement is particularly relevant for WAAA members as the new round features increased funding limits and enhanced support for regional, female, and First Nations-founded businesses.

Understanding the Grant Programs

The two programs are funded through the government’s $40 million New Industries and Innovation Fund (NIIF) and are designed to support businesses at different stages of development.

The Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) is aimed at early-stage founders and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It provides funding to access services and expertise for refining, testing, protecting, and validating an innovative project. The maximum grant amount for the IBG has been increased from $40,000 to $50,000.

The Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG) supports more established, high-growth businesses in developing products and preparing them for domestic and international markets. These grants range from $50,000 up to a new maximum of $250,000.

Direct Relevance for Agritourism Operators

These grants represent a direct and actionable funding opportunity for agritourism businesses. An operator could use an IBG to develop and validate a new farm-to-bottle product, a unique digital visitor experience, or a novel sustainable farming practice that enhances their tourism offering. A more established business could use a CBG to scale up a proven product for wider distribution or export.

Crucially, the statement highlights “enhanced support for regional, female and First Nations-founded businesses,” a focus that directly aligns with the WAAA’s membership demographic. Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson confirmed this priority.

“This year we have increased the funding available to innovators and introduced more support to assist businesses that are founded by women and First Nations people or based regionally,” the Minister said. “Through our Made in WA Plan, we have committed $40 million over four years to support start-ups, scale-ups and emerging enterprises in growing their operations and commercialising breakthrough ideas.”

Application Deadlines

Operators should note the strict deadlines for applications. The Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) program will close at 4pm on Friday, 10 October, while the Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG) will close at 4pm on Friday, 24 October. Online information sessions for applicants will also be held.

Words by:

Andy Burns

Andy Burns is a driving force in the Western Australian tourism industry, currently serving as Vice-President of the WAAA. He’s the Founder of Scott Aussie Tourism Marketing, a South West WA-based agency specialising in helping tourism businesses thrive in the digital age. Scott Aussie offers a full range of marketing services, from strategic planning and branding to content creation, social media management, and AI-powered solutions. Andy’s deep understanding of the tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in destination marketing and community engagement, makes him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and trainer. He’s a regular presenter at industry conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to the future of tourism. Andy is also a member of the Manjimup Tourist Bureau and a Councillor at the Shire of Manjimup. His previous leadership roles include six years on the board of Tourism Rockingham and five years as Chair of a Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) advisory committee.