Economic Development and Support for Business
Perth is the place where people, ideas and industry meet, creating a dynamic and fast-paced business environment that drives the development of the Western Australian economy.
Fast facts
- Western Australia’s population of 2.8 million in 2022 was 10.7% of Australia’s population.
Source: National, state and territory population - Western Australia’s population rose 1.4% in 2021/22, below growth of 1.2% in 2020/21.
Source: WA Economic Profile – April 2023 - The value of Western Australia’s gross state product (GSP) in 2021/22 was $404.5 billion, 17.5% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Source: WA Economic Profile – April 2023 - Western Australia’s GSP per capita in 2021/22 was $146,423, which was 63% above Australia’s GDP per capita of $89,631.
Source: WA Economic Profile – April 2023 - The City of Perth Local Government Area has a total economic output of $135.3 billion.
Source: REMPLAN - The major industry contributors to output include Mining ($68.1 billion), Professional, Scientific and Technical Services ($14.4 billion) and Financial and Insurance Services ($13.5 billion).
Source: REMPLAN - The City of Perth Local Government Area has a Gross Regional Product of $80.6 billion.
Source: REMPLAN - The major industry contributors to employment include Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (39,859 jobs), Health Care and Social Assistance (25,267 jobs) and Mining (22,875 jobs).
Source: REMPLAN
Key sectors
- Mining, resources and energy.
- Property development and construction.
- Innovation and technology.
- Education and international student services.
- Medical, health and life sciences and medical research.
- Tourism, retail and hospitality.
Key services
Economic Development
The City of Perth’s Economic Development Unit (EDU) is responsible for assisting with the development and growth of the city’s local economy. This objective is achieved by working with existing and emerging industry sectors to promote Perth as a high calibre business and investment destination.
Key services include:
Sector Development - support of the following key sectors with a range of initiatives, projects, sponsorships and networking building functions including - resources and energy; tourism, food and beverage and accommodation; property, retail, knowledge and innovation, education, health and life science and smart cities-based industries.
Business Development and Support – The City of Perth Business Development Team is dedicated to supporting local small to medium-sized businesses by providing diverse engagement initiatives including reoccurring business grant programs such as the ‘Small Business Grant’ and ‘Business Improvement Grant’.
The team engages in the promotion of new business growth across all six neighbourhoods in the City of Perth. In addition, our Business Development Team serves as a key point of contact for local businesses in the area, offering assistance with the following:
- Supporting new businesses set-ups within the City of Perth
- Guiding businesses through compliance pathways, including City of Perth services, such as grants or sponsorships opportunities
- Providing economic data, insights, modelling and pedestrian counter data to help businesses make informed decisions
- Assisting new and existing businesses when searching for suitable spaces or premises
- Connecting businesses with development resources, support information and collaborative partnerships
- Advocating for the local businesses in our community.
Business Welcome & Support Packs
Whether you’re a new or an existing City of Perth business, our team now have business packs available for all businesses! To get yours, please do not hesitate to get in touch with City’s Business Development Team, who will organise a business pack delivery at your premises.
More Information
To learn more about how the Business Development Team can help your business thrive, please do not hesitate to contact us via business@cityofperth.wa.gov.au or call on (08) 9461 1518.
Small Business Grants / Guidelines
Investment Attraction – The EDU team at the City highlight and promote the benefits and competitive advantages of doing business within the City of Perth and undertake collaborative initiatives with key stakeholders including the Australian and State Government to promote Perth as the ideal investment and lifestyle destination. This can involve providing relevant information and other support for property and place development initiatives. The City has also been successful in offering support for and securing federal funding for economic development initiatives including successful acquittal of a $1.3 million Smart Cities and Suburbs grant from the Australian Government for six smart city projects. The EDU team also maintain a dedicated microsite and collateral to promote Perth and its economic opportunities.
International Engagement – The International Engagement team at the City of Perth proactively manage, grow and promote the various international relationships and opportunities the City has across eight Sister Cities, three Friendship Cities and 18 World Energy City Partnership (WECP) relationships as well as facilitating inbound trade and diplomatic delegations to provide economic, social and cultural return to Council, the community and local ratepayers. The International Engagement team also assist local business who export by showcasing local operators across these networks as well as international business chambers based here within Perth.
International Engagement on Think Perth
Economic Modelling and Analysis – The EDU team have access to a range of tools and previous studies to provide timely, relevant and quality information related to economic and urban analysis, market research, smart city related sensor data and other metrics, indices and measures relevant to Perth.
Retail trends - Analysis on the state of our retail sector helps us to stay in front of trends and support future growth.
Emergencies, Safety and CCTV Surveillance
The City of Perth works closely with the WA Police and other agencies to keep the City safe and minimise crime and antisocial behaviour. Learn more about our services, strategies and initiatives to do this.
Businesses, residents and visitors all need to think about city emergencies and how to respond.
Watch our Are you Prepared Perth? videos to learn more.
Are you Prepared Perth? Business brochure
Businesses have plenty to consider if an emergency occurs in or around their premises. Learn more on preparation, response and getting you business running again after an event.
Safety and CCTV Surveillance
The City of Perth work with the Police and other agencies, and has many initiatives which aim to keep people safe and minimise damage and crime. We aim to prevent negative events that impact on your business safety and should something occur, respond as quickly as possible.
You will find information from the Safety and CCTV Surveillance page about business safety, 24 hour CCTV Surveillance and safer spaces.
Who to Call
The City has prepared a Businesses Reporting Numbers guide to help you direct your call to the right agency, for the right incident occurring around your business premises or in your business neighbourhood.
Creating Safer Spaces
The City of Perth Creating Safer Spaces: Design guidelines to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour has been developed to give designers, residents, businesses and event planners the tools to create a safe built environment. Learn how you can include these measures in your business by downloading the City of Perth Creating Safer Spaces: Design guidelines to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
Rangers
Our rangers work to ensure community safety and compliance with local laws. They assist businesses in many ways including foot and bike patrols of malls and inner city, and car patrols in other areas. They are always happy to chat with you.
Learn more about how they help manage buskers, street traders, events, litter and obstructions.
