Boost for First Nations people in biz

MEMBER for Melton Steve McGhie has flagged an opportunity for Aboriginal owned and operated businesses working in the area to apply for grants of up to ten thousand dollars for training and accreditation, mentorship, networking, marketing and access to expert advisory services.

As part of the new Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program, businesses can also apply for up to $100,000 for purchasing new assets, planning business cases, conducting studies and specialist training.

To be eligible, businesses must be Aboriginal owned and operated, operate in Victoria, and engage with regional suppliers or have activity servicing regional areas.

“This is a major boost for First Nations businesses here in Melton, providing much needed support for them to grow and expand their businesses in the local community,” Mr McGhie said.

Speaking at the launch of the program in Bendigo recently, Minister for Employment Vicki Ward said the grants aim to help businesses find opportunities create employment and boost regional economies.

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

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