The Tradie Hub has opened its doors to Western Australia’s small business owners.
Located in Port Hedland, the hub supported by BHP and its Vital Resources Fund (VRF).
The $50 million Vital Resources Fund (VRF) was designed to support regional Australian communities in BHP’s areas of operation which were facing significant challenges that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tradie Hub is a shared co-working space that offers opportunities for entrepreneurial tradespeople to begin and develop small businesses in a supportive and cooperative environment.
The primary aim is to progress from a shared space right through to stand-alone small business.
One of the businesses that has been supported by the new hub is Maid to Shine, a cleaning service business in the Pilbara area.
“As much as we would like to rent a commercial space, rental crisis and rental prices limit our options to do so,” Maid to Shine owner Mia said. “The Tradie Hub fills that gap.
“It gives us the opportunity to have a headquarters to operate our business from and store our equipment.”
President of the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Therese Anderson said the Tradie Hub opening is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and represents the region supporting local businesses to grow.
BHP general manager of Port Hedland Cindy Dunham said she was excited to see local businesses flourish in the new space.
“We hope this new facility will enable local small business to grow and develop increasing capability across the local supply chain and boost regional economic development in Port Hedland,” Dunham said.