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, the Local Buying Foundation has continued to strengthen regional economies by supporting small, local and Indigenous businesses across BHP’s operational areas.

With more than $14 million reinvested into over 300 projects nationally since 2012, the Foundation has backed leadership workshops, digital marketing training, and compliance sessions to upskill those critical to business success. Strategic partnerships and community-led initiatives have driven inclusive growth, with new projects like shared workspaces and business hubs emerging in New South Wales and South Australia.

You can watch our Anual Summary video or read our full interactive summary here

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 October 2025:

PROJECTS FUNDED

REGIONS SUPPORTED

APPROVED FUNDING $

Funding Round Dates

Queensland
2026:
Round 2: closes February 6
Round 2: closes July 17

Western Australia
2026:
Round 1: closes February 27
Round 2: closes August 28

New South Wales
2026:
Round 1: closes March 27
Round 2: closes September 18

South Australia
2026:
Round 1: closes May 8
Round 2: closes October 16

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.