Published on Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 9:00AM
Champions for Pilbara is a new small business about to open its doors to the Tom Price community, made possible with support from the Shire of Ashburton Small Business Grant Program, delivered in partnership with the Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PICCI) and the Onslow Chamber of Commerce (OCCI).
Launched in 2025, the Shire of Ashburton committed $50,000 to the Small Business Grant initiative and, in November 2025, Council approved an additional $35,093 to further support local businesses. The Small Business Grant initiative was designed to support existing and grassroots businesses to expand, diversify, and deliver new services that benefit local communities and alig
ns with the Shire’s Economic Development Strategy to grow communities, encourage prosperity and enhance liveability.
One of the successful recipients, Champions for Pilbara, received $9,145 in grant funding, which was used to purchase a full professional-grade boxing ring and contribute towards specialised rubber flooring, essential infrastructure to ensure safe training and high-quality program delivery.
Proud owner Cornelius Grobler said:
“Champions for Pilbara focuses on youth development through structured boxing programs that integrate life skills, discipline and resilience. Over the next five years, we aim to establish ourselves as the premier youth boxing academy in the Pilbara, with strong community partnerships and a measurable impact on youth wellbeing. The Shire of Ashburton’s Small Business Grant significantly helped getting our business off the ground, playing a significant role in the set-up and launch of our new gym.”
Registration day is this Saturday, 7 February from 10am, with the official public opening on Monday, 9 February 2026. Follow their page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/championsforpilbara
Learn about more grants on offer here.
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