The Local Buying Foundation provides funding to fuel regional economic growth and build thriving, sustainable businesses communities.
We invest into projects and programs that drive workforce development, foster innovation, and enhance the capability and capacity of business and industry.
The Local Buying Foundation is an integral part of BHP’s Local Buying Program. For every dollar spent through the Local Buying Program, BHP contributes to the Foundation, creating a local buying cycle that ensures a bright, sustainable future for local, regional businesses and communities.
Browse through our Newsroom for recent articles about active Local Buying Foundation investments, and our Events page for information about upcoming Local Buying Foundation sponsored events and workshops near you.
In the first half of FY25, Local Buying Foundation has made remarkable strides in supporting local and Indigenous businesses, fostering regional economic development and enhancing supplier capabilities across Australia. Through a series of strategic initiatives, events and partnerships, the Foundations in each state has demonstrated their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for small businesses in BHP’s operational regions.
The Local Buying Foundation has funded several initiatives aimed at upskilling the people important to our local and Indigenous businesses. This includes leadership workshops, training sessions, digital marketing strategies and operational compliance.
You can watch our Highlights video or read our interactive summary here.
Click the icons below to browse funded projects by category and learn more
The Local Buying Foundation is adding value to our local regional communities
Nationally, the Local Buying Foundation supports 16 local regions across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia where BHP operates. Collectively, the below is a snapshot of the national data as at March 2025:
PROJECTS FUNDED
REGIONS SUPPORTED
APPROVED FUNDING $
Funding Round Dates
New South Wales
2025:
Round 1: closed April 4
Round 2: closes September 19
Queensland
2025:
Round 1: closed February 7
Round 2: closes July 18
South Australia
2025:
Round 1: closed May 9
Round 2: closes October 17
Western Australia
2025:
Round 1: closed February 28
Round 2: closes August 29
Please direct any out-of-round enquiries to info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Local Buying Foundation acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.