Accelerate your business growth with Thrive

Business owners in the City of Cockburn have an extraordinary opportunity to supercharge their business performance by taking part in the Thrive Program. 

Applications are now open for the 12-week program delivered by the experts at Business Station. Participants get access to invaluable resources, coaching, workshops, mentoring and even specialist Profit Accelerator Software.

Thrive’s training is valued at more than $2,400, but Cockburn businesses can join for a subsidised fee of $150+GST. There are 15 funded places available. They are open to businesses with up to 20 employees.

Participants attend a series of in-person and online workshops over a three-month period on topics including goal setting, action plans, implementing growth strategies, sales and marketing optimisation, financial management and funding, business expansion, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. 

Express your interest for Thrive using the button below.

Do you want to turn your innovative idea into a successful business?

Join us on Wednesday 30 April from 9.30-11am for a special presentation from the 2024 Curtin Ignition scholarship winners, Louise Mansell and Corey Gaidzionis, and discover how you could be part of Curtin Ignition in 2025.

You'll hear from local psychologist Louise Mansell who came up with a clever idea for an interactive emotional support teddy bear for kids who’d experienced trauma. 

Louise applied to Curtin Ignition though the City's scholarship funding and the program revolutionised her idea. Along with fellow winner, Corey Gaidzionis, they spent one intensive week germinating their business ideas with key players in the WA innovation startup and investor community.

Since completing Ignition last year, Louise has developed her product, received innovation grants, an award and built her network. Her special teddy bear hits the market in mid-2025.

Register for this free session at the Cockburn Health and Community Facility using the button below. 

Last call to join the Cyber Security Essentials workshop

Join this FREE workshop on Tuesday 15 April from 10-12pm and discover how to stay ahead of the curve and fortify your business against common cyber threats. 

What to Expect: 

• Insights into current threats: understand the specific cyber threats targeting businesses in Australia
• Real-life case studies: learn from local businesses’ experiences and discover actionable strategies
• Spotting phishing emails: arm yourself with the knowledge to identify and combat phishing attempts
• Social engineering unveiled: explore how hackers exploit human vulnerabilities and gain practical defenses
• Top five protective measures: discover the essential measures to shield your business from cyber threats
• Response strategies: learn the immediate actions to take if your business falls victim to a cyber-attack. 

Register for this workshop held in the Conference Room at Cockburn Integrated Health facility in Success. Places are limited and filling fast. 

Explore new opportunities in the US defence supply chain

The Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Pilot Program is now open for expressions of interest. 

H&B Defence, a partnership between Huntington Ingalls Industries and Babcock, is looking to connect with Australian businesses that can supply parts and services for the submarine industry. 

They’re currently interested in companies that can provide: 

• Cast or forged metal components
•  Precision-machined parts 
• Air and gas storage cylinders 
• Custom-made or welded parts 
• Composite materials or fiberglass products 
• Furniture, cabinetry, or interior fittings 
• Circuit boards or electronic components 

If your business offers something different that you think could be useful to submarine manufacturing, you can still apply under the "Other Capabilities" category, they may be looking to expand into additional areas soon. 

Don’t miss this chance to get involved in a global defence supply chain. 

Read the latest update form the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS)

The Office of Defence Industry Support release a monthly news update including helpful information on: 

• Defence Industry Resource Planning (DRP) updates
• Australian Defence Export Catalogue submission information
• AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge

Free research and development support for WA agrifood businesses

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Agrifood WA program is now open to small and medium businesses across the agrifood sector. 

This free, 8-week online program will help you explore research and development (R&D) opportunities for your business. 

What's included: 

• Expert advice and mentoring
• Help to turn ideas into R&D projects
• Insight into funding pathways
• New industry connections 

The program is ideal for small businesses in WA working in: 

🌾 Agriculture support services
🐄 Livestock or aquaculture
🥫 Food & beverage manufacturing
🌱 Agritech and alternative proteins

Key dates: 

• Apply by: Sunday, 27 April 2025 
• Program starts: 15 May 2025