Pilbara start-ups and micro-businesses have a new place to call home after a co-working office space was officially opened in South Hedland.

The centre is part of BHP’s $1.5 million three-year partnership renewal with the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The new facility features flexible co-working areas, office suites and meeting spaces which will promote the growth and diversification of the Pilbara small business community.

BHP General Manager Port Operations Cindy Dunham said: “We are proud of what the WEB Business Hub in the West End has achieved over the past five years and are excited to see that momentum build in South Hedland.”

“BHP is passionate about supporting small businesses to take that leap from a home-based enterprise to a thriving, sustainable business. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the Pilbara is a great place to live and work.”

Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce CEO Claire Boyce said: “We are excited to be expanding our services and opening a co-working space in South Hedland, which is something that has been highly requested by our members, we look forward to continuing to support the business community of Port and South Hedland and thank BHP for their continued support of the PHCCI.”

The partnership will also ensure the continuation of the bi-annual Hedland Economic Resources Forum and annual Business of the Year Awards and ongoing support of the Chamber’s Economic Development Action Plan to promote local business in the area.

The new partnership renewal follow’s BHP previous $1.9 million five-year partnership with the PHCCI which contributed towards:

  • Construction of the East Pilbara Innovation Centre (known as the WEB Business Hub)
  • Development of WEB Business Hub website
  • Delivery of training programs from the WEB Business Hub

Facilitation of biannual Hedland Economic Resources Forum and annual Business of the Year Awards.