October is Indigenous Business Month. In celebration of the event, we have prepared a round up of business support available to Indigenous, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Western Australia throughout the month and beyond.
Indigenous Business Month is held to raise the profile of business as a vehicle towards self-determination - a way of providing positive role models for Indigenous Australians and improving quality of life in Indigenous communities. The initiative is driven by the alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class program.
The theme of the 2023 month (the ninth year of the initiative) is 'To Gather, Together'. Acknowledging the importance of impact and connection, it calls upon First Nations business owners and their non-Indigenous allies, to gather online and in community, to look at their actions today and how they will impact our tomorrow.
Business support and advice for Indigenous’ businesses in WA
Support and information is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated businesses in Western Australia.
Local capability fund: Aboriginal business round
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s current Local Capability Fund includes an Aboriginal Business Round which is open for application until Tuesday 31 October 2023 at 3pm.
This matched grant provides funding support to Aboriginal small to medium enterprises to enhance their business capability and capacity to supply to major Western Australian State or Local Government agencies, the Australian Government and the private sector. The level of funding support available under this round is 50 per cent of eligible costs (excluding GST) – up to a maximum of $50,000 per successful applicant. Download the information guide.
DPIRD Aboriginal Economic Development Program
The Department of Primary Industry and Resource Development’s (DPIRD) Aboriginal Economic Development program unlocks, activates and accelerates business and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people. Projects are co-designed and delivered in partnership with Aboriginal people, businesses and other entities. The AED Program of Work is built around opportunity areas such as Native Title and divestment, emerging land and sea-based primary industry sectors, the Aboriginal pastoral estate, industry labour shortages, and regional procurement.
Aboriginal Business Capability Building (ABCB) Program
Funded by the Department of Finance, the ABCB provides business capability building services to Aboriginal businesses. This includes individualised support in areas such as tendering, business development, internal governance and contractual compliance requirements.
The ABCB is facilitated by Morrgul (Kimberley and Pilbara regions) and IPS Management Consultants (Mid West, Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern regions).
Aboriginal Business Directory WA
Managed by the Chamber of Commerce WA, the Aboriginal Business Directory WA is a free service which brings together Aboriginal businesses operating in Western Australia with potential buyers. Business owners that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to list their details in the directory, while buyers in search of goods or services supplied by an Aboriginal business are encouraged to search the directory for suppliers.
Aboriginal Procurement Policy
The Department of Finance manages the Aboriginal Procurement Policy for WA which provides Aboriginal businesses with relevant information for preparing to seek contracting opportunities with the WA Government.
ATO webinars
Throughout October, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is offering free webinars presented by First Nations staff, to help you understand your tax and super obligations. The ATO also offers the Reach Out business support pilot project and an Indigenous helpline.
Indigenous Business Australia
Indigenous Business Australia was created to assist and enhance the economic development opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. This Australian Government agency offers business finance and partnerships, as well as advice for Indigenous business owners or prospective owners.
The Waalitj Hub
The Waalitj Hub assists the Indigenous business sector thrive in WA supporting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wanting to start, grow or sustain their businesses. Their services include business incubation and start up, tendering and contracts, joint venture advice and more.
Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports contact between Noongar and Aboriginal owned businesses and the broader WA business community with a goal to build the economic capacity and wealth of Aboriginal people.
Supply Nation
Supply Nation provides Australia’s leading database of verified Indigenous businesses. Registering an indigenous business with Supply Nation will list the business on Australia’s largest national directory, Indigenous Business Direct, to allow companies, government and not-for-profit businesses to find and connect with Indigenous businesses. Registering is free and takes about 15 minutes.
Many Rivers Microfinance
Many Rivers Microfinance provides Microenterprise Development and Community Economic Development to First Nation Australians who want to access the economy.
Yarnline
Yarnline is a call-back offering support to Indigenous businesses, and those working with Indigenous businesses, better understand intellectual property (IP) and Indigenous Knowledge (IK).
More information
- Find our more about Indigenous Business Month.
- Visit the SBDC for services and advice for all businesses in the WA community.
- Read about how Woollahra supports Aboriginal communities through their business.
- Discover Impact Digi founder Tamara Bin Amat’s tips for business success.
