TWO Western Australian businesses have won grants from the round three allocations of the federal government’s textile, clothing and footwear Small Business Program. The program aims to improve the business enterprise culture of small businesses within the TCF sector and awards $2.5 million annually over 10 years. Malaga-based Hue Le Designs was awarded $26,000 and fashion label Ae’Ikemi Pty Ltd $20,000. Hue Le Designs specialises in eveningwear, ball gowns and bridesmaids dresses and will use the grant to develop strategic business and marketing opportunities. Textile Clothing Footwear Resource Centre of WA manager, Carol Hanlon, believes the federal grants provide a great opportunity for companies within the industry. “It’s a great opportunity for a small fashion or TCF related businesses. Those two firms [Hue Le Designs and Ae’lkemi] are both involved with our organisation and we provided letters of support for their submission, Ms Hanlon said. Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Minister Senator Kim Carr said the program helped businesses to grow, with the quality of applications highlighting the innovation of small businesses within the sector. “This program helps TCF small businesses transform their business culture by moving from an inward business focus to becoming enterprising leaders in designing and manufacturing textiles, clothing and footwear,” he said.