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 2.68 million in 2020/21 was 10.4% of Australia’s population.
- Western Australia’s population rose 0.7% in 2020/21, below growth of 1.6% in 2019/20.
- The value of Western Australia’s gross state product (GSP) in 2020/21 was $361.8 billion, 17.5% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP).
- Western Australia’s GSP per capita in 2020/21 was $135,479, which was 68% above Australia’s GDP per capita of $80,461.
Source: WA Economic Profile May 2022 – Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (wa.gov.au) - The City of Perth Local Government Area has a total economic output of $109.8 billion.
- The major industry contributors to output include Mining ($46.6 billion), Financial and Insurance Services ($12.9 billion) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services ($10.6 billion).
Source: REMPLAN - The City of Perth Local Government Area has a Gross Regional Product of $64.6 billion
Source: REMPLAN - The major industry contributors to employment include Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (26,528 jobs), Public Administration and Safety (20,492 jobs) and Health Care and Social Assistance (16,501 jobs).
Source: REMPLAN - The ABS 2021 Estimated residential population of the City of Perth Local Government Area is 31,240 with a target of 90,000 residents by 2050 being set by Council in 2020.
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 business development team provide an ongoing program of engagement initiatives with local City of Perth Small and Medium enterprises including Small Business Grants, a yearly round of Business Improvement Grants, free quarterly workshops for businesses within the City. Free confidential and independent one on one business coaching program through “Business Foundations” (Up to three sessions) and assistance in navigating City of Perth approval pathways. The Business Development team also work on business attraction programs within the City and provide valuable feedback and information to develop new businesses and strategic sites within the City of Perth’s six neighbourhoods. To find out more, please contact Business Development on (08) 9461 1518 or business@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
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.
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.
