The Take Your Business Online Grant Program, known as TYBO, provides eligible local businesses with financial assistance to improve their digital capability, online presence and marketing.
Businesses can apply for up to $5,000, excluding GST, on a matched dollar for dollar basis. This means the business must contribute at least the same amount as requested from the City. Funding is competitive and subject to the annual budget adopted by Council.
Eligible projects may include website development, ecommerce functionality, digital business systems, customer relationship management systems, app development, search engine optimisation, social media and digital marketing. Funding cannot be used for ongoing operating costs or projects that have already commenced.
You can apply at any time. Applications remain open until the closing date of each assessment round, after which all applications received will be assessed.
The assessment round closing dates for 2026-27 are as follows:
- 19 October 2026
- 1 March 2027
Before applying, businesses should read the TYBO Funding Guideline, confirm their eligibility and prepare a project plan, budget, quotations and supporting documents.
Learn more about previous TYBO recipients:
Foolish Fancy
“TYBO has been instrumental in stepping up my art into the wider online world. From the very first steps of inquiry to completing and receiving the grant the communication and support has been exemplary. Thank you for your generous initiative!”
SDI Enterprises
“Thank you for supporting our growing business to increase its professional online presence.”
https://performancehire.com.au/
https://www.sustainablefocus.com.au/
Dream Squad
"I am so thankful to the City of Karratha for their generous contribution. Juggling what feels like a million task every day, as a mum, small business owner, working part time out of the business as well. It has been amazing having Socialista take over my business social media page. It created some extra time for me to get other tasks down as well as help me look like the go to person in my field because my page looks so professional. Thank you, City of Karratha"
https://www.dreamsquadsc.com.au/
JLT Engineering Pty Ltd
"The City of Karratha's TYBO Grant was instrumental in kickstarting our new business, JLT Engineering. With their generous support, we were able to establish a strong digital foundation which proved to be a game changer for us. The grant provided financial backing needed to create an impressive website, optimise it for search engines, and set up efficient web and email hosting. This digital infrastructure opened opportunities for us, enabling us to reach a broader audience and engage with potential clients seamlessly. Moreover, the grant allowed us to invest in creating a compelling brand identity and dynamic social media presence. These elements played a pivotal role in building our online reputation and credibility."
https://jltengineering.com.au/
Documents
Take Your Business Online Grant Guideline
(369.72 KB)
Council Plan
(6.49 MB)
Economic Development Tourism Strategy
(3.82 MB)
Frequently asked questions
How much funding can I apply for?
Eligible businesses can apply for up to $5,000, excluding GST. The City may approve the full amount requested, a reduced amount or no funding.
Do I need to contribute to the project?
Yes. TYBO provides matched funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Your business must contribute at least the same amount as requested from the City.
For example, if your eligible project costs $8,000, excluding GST, you may request $4,000 from the City and must contribute at least $4,000.
Is funding guaranteed?
No. TYBO is competitive and subject to the funding available through the Council adopted annual budget. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
Who can apply?
An applicant must:
- have a registered Australian Business Number
- own or operate a small business within the City of Karratha local government area
- have appropriate insurance, permits and licences
- offer products or services that are market ready or already operating
- have the financial capacity to deliver the project and provide the matched contribution
- meet all other requirements in the TYBO Funding Guideline
Can a sole trader apply?
Yes. A sole trader may apply if the business meets all eligibility requirements.
Can a new business apply?
Yes, provided its products or services are market ready or already operating and it meets all other eligibility requirements.
Can a home based business apply?
Yes. The business must declare whether it operates as a Home Office, Home Occupation or Home Business and provide evidence of any planning, building or environmental health approvals required by the City.
An application may be placed on hold while the relevant approvals are confirmed.
What projects can receive funding?
Eligible projects must improve the business’s digital capability or online marketing presence.
Projects may include:
- website development or enhancement
- ecommerce functionality
- social media campaigns or management
- digital systems supporting online sales, service delivery or business operations
- online learning, subscription or membership portals
- customer relationship management systems
- app development
- search engine optimisation
- online advertising and digital marketing
Other projects may be considered if they clearly meet the objectives of TYBO.
Can I apply for website development?
Yes. The development or improvement of a business website may be eligible, including ecommerce functionality.
When will I receive the grant money?
- Once you have signed and returned the conditions of the grant you’re away! You can start your project.
- Once you have started your project and made a payment to your contractor for the work, you can submit the receipt for payment along with an invoice for 50% of your approved grant funding to the City for processing.
- The remaining project grant funding can be claimed on project completion and acquittal.
How does the acquittal work?
Once you have completed your project and paid all of your project related expenses you need to submit:
- An acquittal form
- Copies of all receipts for completed work
- The invoice for the remaining 50% of your grant funding
Once the acquittal has been submitted the City’s officers will check that you have spent the grant funds as agreed and will write to you to confirm your acquittal has been accepted. If, for some reason, there’s an issue we’ll get in touch to resolve it with you.
What if I get part way through my project and need to change something?
We get it, things change!
If you need to adjust your plans, get in touch with us straight away and we can work through the process with you to make sure that your new project is still eligible for the grant funding, or provide you with your options.
Who can I talk to for more information about this grant?
For any queries about the Take Your Business Online grant get in contact with the City and one of our friendly staff will help you with your questions.
Phone: 9186 8555
Email enquiries@karratha.wa.gov.au