Local businesses across the Pilbara can expect investment upwards of $1.3 million to help grow and diversify the region after the state government announced $500,000 in funding on Friday.
Supplied through the government's Made in the Pilbara initiative, the initial stake will be distributed to 11 businesses, with 40 jobs and 14 apprenticeships expected.
The latest funding injection focuses on growing local businesses and skilled jobs in the Pilbara, while strengthening regional supply chains.
One of the 11 recipients in 2026 is Jakarli Group Services (formerly EK Contracting Pty before June 2025), a WA-owned and operated Indigenous civil earthworks and plant hire company in mining, government and transport.
Jakarli was established in 2019 and led by director Glenn Rush, a Nyamal Traditional Owner, and operations manager Theo Tsorvas, who have a combined 30 years' industry experience.
"Nyamal land is in the North Pilbara and our mob used to use the Jakarli to dig holes, cart water and carry babies," Mr Tsorvas said.
"Our vision is to be a modern Jakarli; dig big holes with earthmoving equipment, cart water to remote mine and civil sites for dust suppression, and carry the next generation by upskilling and mentoring to grow our business."
Overall, the financial support of the scheme could generate at least $800,000 from industry investment, a sign of confidence for Pilbara-led innovation.
The Made in the Pilbara scheme has already funnelled $14m to WA-based businesses via the CORE Innovation Hub, with co-investment from multinational resources leader BHP and government through a local manufacturing investment fund (LMIF).
CORE designs, activates and builds innovation infrastructure across Australia, connecting industry, startups and government through test beds, hubs and collaborative precincts.
The Pilbara plan supported small and mid-sized manufacturers through small grants and innovation seed funding, enabling investment in equipment, digital upgrades, skills development and ESG initiatives.
Beyond funding, participants gain access to CORE Innovation Hub facilities, capability programs and connections to industry and government partners.
BHP iron ore asset president (WA), Tim Day, said such funding initiatives helped keep the local Pilbara economy running.
"Made in the Pilbara gives these businesses a chance to innovate, grow, and compete, while creating skilled employment and training in the communities we operate." he said.
"A strong local supply chain really strikes at the heart of our strategy in the region."
Western Australian Minister for Manufacturing and Pilbara, Amber-Jade Sanderson, said the continual support for local businesses in the region would be evident in future.
"We're helping create skilled jobs, strengthen regional supply chains, and build long-term capability in our manufacturing sector," she said.
More information on Made in the Pilbara is available online.
2026 CORE recipients
Australasian Belt Scrapers Pty Ltd, Magellan Powertronics Pty Ltd, CNC Solutions Pty Ltd, Conex (WA) Pty Ltd, Pilbara Project Specialists, La Banchiera Pty Ltd, East Pilbara Maintenance Pty Ltd, Jakarli Group Services t/a EK Contracting Pty Ltd, Hedland Eye Care Pty Ltd, KBSS Engineering, Impact Digi Pilbara.
