Mr Cobb said Ben and Martin Larsen are using the $6,942 grant to help expand Midland Industries through a new project involving truck trailer deck widening allowing them to compete with imported products and attract new customers.

“The Coalition Government is committed to helping business, especially small and medium enterprises, to grow and diversify their markets and create more local jobs” he said. 

“Under the Industry Skills Fund, eligible businesses can receive support to identify growth opportunities and advice on the skills and training their workforce may need to take advantage of those opportunities.

“The Government also provides funding to businesses to help with the costs of any associated training.

“The sorts of training projects that have been funded to date include helping employees to acquire new skills, or upgrade their existing qualifications, in areas as diverse as product design, inventory control, manufacturing techniques, management and marketing.”

Parkes business Straten was also a successful ISF grant recipient earlier this year receiving $12,000 enabling them to expand and grow their current operations.

Mr Cobb said the Government also recognises the higher costs associated with training younger staff. 

“As a result they have developed a funding programme to help businesses employing a person new to the workforce.

“Businesses that have recently hired a young person aged 18-24 years may receive up to $7,500 to help with the specific costs of training.”

Mr Cobb is encouraging any local business looking to grow their business, invest in training or help a young person into a job to consider applying for funding under the Industry Skills Fund.