Leg up for local First Nations businesses

FOUR central Victorian First Nations businesses have joined more than eighty others across Victoria as recipients of a total of almost three million dollars in grants as part of the Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program.

The successful applicants represent a wide range of industries including tourism, manufacturing and environmental management and are located across Victoria, coming from more than 40 Local Government Areas.

Grants between $5000 and $10,000 (Stream 1) were given to 60 businesses to be used for training, mentorship, networking, marketing, expert advisory services and accreditations.

Meanwhile, grants up to $100,000 (Stream 2) were given to more than 20 businesses to help them expand into new markets, complete building works and invest in developing their workforce.

The local recipients included contemporary Aboriginal art business Firebrace Designs ($9966), IT Connect ($10,000 plus $44,000), Indigenous-owned mental health practice The Anna Centre in Queen Street ($10,000), as well as feral and pest management outfit Western Marloo ($6788 plus $42,144.52).

Each of the businesses that received funding is at least 51 per cent owned and operated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

They’ll have until 31 October 2025 to complete their projects.

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan congratulated the beneficiaries in securing funding, while Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the State is proud to support the development of local First Nations businesses.

“[They] will contribute to the economic growth of our whole region,” she said.

For further information, visit the Business Victoria website.