Communities devastated by the shutdown of the timber industry hoping to secure a slice of millions in State Government funding to stimulate their struggling economies can make their bid for up to $100,000 as of Tuesday.

Applications for the Community Small Grants Fund program opened on Tuesday to support projects that aim to create jobs, diversify the local economy, and create livable communities through services, infrastructure, tourism and events.

It comes after Premier Mark McGowan announced a ban on the timber industry from 2024 in 2021, with more than $80 million committed for affected businesses, workers and organisations since through the Native Forestry Transition Plan.

Among the different grant pillars is the $4m CSGF, which allows eligible individuals, businesses or groups to claim up to $100,000 to help them fund sustainable projects within the communities affected by the ban.

Dozens of South West projects are expected to be put forward for the funding, with the region the most affected by the logging ban.

Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis said small businesses and community groups were crucial to regional communities, and that it was important the State provided targeted support to those communities affected by the transition from native forest logging.

“I encourage businesses and community groups to apply for funding through the Community Small Grants Fund program,” she said.

“Since September 2021, the WA Government has committed $80m to support the transition of workers, businesses and communities linked to the native forest industry.”

Workshops to support potential applicants will take place in early March in Manjimup, Nannup and Bridgetown.

Member for Warren-Blackwood Jane Kelsbie said she had been fighting hard to make sure communities in her electorate were supported through this transition away from native forest logging.

“This funding is great news for businesses and community groups in WA’s native forest regions,” she said.

“It will provide exciting opportunities for communities to create new projects around services, infrastructure, tourism and events.”

Other funding rounds in the State Government’s $80m NFTP include a $26.9m Business Transition Program for directly affected companies in the timber industry, $2m to attract new industries and $400,000 in small grants for companies that rely on native logging through the Small Business Development and Diversification program.

The native logging ban is expected to save more than 400,000ha of native forests, but see about 500 jobs lost — negated by the potential job creation after the State Government invested $350m in new softwood plantations across the South West in recent months.

Businesses can apply for the CSGF on the State Government website until April 21.