Screenwest Digital Games Business Accelerator Fund: January 2027 round
Screenwest grants up to AU$25,000 to Western Australian game businesses for growth and skills. The next round opens 3 December 2026 and closes 18 January 2027.
The Screenwest Digital Games Business Accelerator Fund supports business development and skills building at Western Australian game companies. Screenwest says the next round opens on Thursday 3 December 2026 and closes on Monday 18 January 2027 at 5pm AWST.
The fund gives grants of up to $25,000 (Australian dollars) per application. It can pay for key staff with specialist skills, tools and processes that raise production capacity, skills training for early and mid career staff, and business development, consultation and mentoring in areas such as marketing, QA, production and creative leadership.
Applicants must be a Western Australian resident company or resident as defined in the Screenwest Terms of Trade. They must work mainly in digital games and have at least one commercially released game on a platform such as Steam, itch.io, a console store or a mobile app store. They also need the insurance required for the proposed work.
An application includes a business development plan with goals, an organisational chart, a budget and a company bio with CVs of key staff. The goals in the plan become conditions of the funding agreement. Screenwest asks applicants to discuss their plans with the Program Manager first and to apply through its SmartyGrants portal.
A panel of Screenwest management and industry representatives assesses applications on fund impact, track record, quality of the proposal, benefits to Western Australia, and diversity. Screenwest says the fund is highly competitive and expects to decide within 8 to 10 weeks of the closing date.
Quick answers
How much does it pay?
Up to $25,000 per application. It is a grant and takes no equity.
When is the deadline?
Applications open on 3 December 2026. The deadline is 18 January 2027.
Who can apply?
Western Australian resident companies or residents working in digital games, with at least one commercially released game. It is limited to applicants in Oceania, AU.
How do I apply?
Through the official page at screenwest.com.au. The link is at the top of this page.
Can the grant pay for making a game?
No. Preproduction, production and post production of a game are covered by the separate Digital Games Production Fund.
What costs are excluded?
Hardware and software purchases, licences, subscriptions, rent and other recurring overheads, travel, and activity outside Western Australia.