Boost for First Nations people in biz

APPLICATIONS are now open for the new Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program, with grants of up to $10,000 available to businesses for training and accreditation, mentorship, networking, marketing, as well as access to expert advisory services.

Victorian Minister for Employment Vicki Ward announced the new initiative at the Dumawul Cultural Tourism and Creative Arts Hub in Bendigo last week.

Businesses will also be able to apply for grants of as much as $100,000 for buying new assets, planning and delivering business cases, conducting studies and specialist training.

Ms Ward said the grants aim to help First Nations businesses grow and develop, and to help them find regional chances to create employment and boost the economy.

“One of the really great things about our First Nations businesses is that they are so diverse,” she said.

“It can be cultural activities, it can be art, it can be music, it can be any range of things.

“What we’re looking for is to have (these) businesses be empowered to be as strong as they can.”

To be eligible, businesses must be Aboriginal owned and operated, they must operate in Victoria and engage with regional suppliers or have activity servicing regional areas, hold a current Australian Business Number, be registered for GST and be registered with the responsible federal or state regulator.

Applications, which close at 5pm sharp on Friday 6 September, can be made on the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions website.