Case Study

Industry Attraction Fund Development

Introduction

The Shire of Northam was keen to attract major employers to the region, ideally with a diversification of local industry. As part of that strategy, an idea to offer a $1 million grant fund to support this goal was conceived.

Situation

Generating Interest In Strategic Regional Location

Ideally positioned on strategic transport routes and within an hour of Perth, the Shire of Northam had a range of industrial and commercial land they were keen to attract new businesses to.

As part of a broader scope of economic development activities, our Director Anna Dixon worked with the CEO to shape a $1 million Industry Attraction Fund to pique the interest of potential businesses who might establish in or relocate to the Shire.

Solution

Developed Concept

After articulating the objectives of the fund, Anna developed a set of proposed grant objectives and conditions to underpin the basis of the Investment Attraction Fund.

Document Development

To support the implementation of the Fund, all application documentation was developed, ensuring clarity of communication and a balance between eliciting appropriate levels of information from the applicant without creating an administrative burden.

Assessment Guidelines and Due Diligence Process

To ensure fair and consistent assessment, we developed Assessment Guidelines and workflow to guide Shire staff through the assessment process. This was accompanied by a documented due diligence process.

Outcome

This grant generated strong interest with multiple businesses of significant scale approaching the Shire to explore the potential fit of the grant. This has seen the Avon Industrial Park attract new businesses, with Stage Two land release now on the horizon, along with other businesses establishing in commercial and light industrial areas in the Northam townsite.

Having worked with Anna and the team over the years, it is apparent that the passion, knowledge and expertise that they bring to the table is significant. We have engaged Anna for multiple projects and, at all times, they have been delivered on time, within budget and often exceeding expectations. – Jason Whiteaker, CEO, Shire of Northam