The NSW Government supports Aboriginal economic development across the State by helping Aboriginal businesses to plan for the successful growth and development of their commercial enterprises.

Industry and Investment NSW offers a range of services to meet the needs of Aboriginal enterprises. These services are delivered through a network of experienced Aboriginal Business Development staff across NSW. They provide guidance in accessing business support services.

Aboriginal Business Development Services include:-

• getting started in business. Aboriginal people interested in starting a business can also access free business information from a Business Advisory Service.
• managing and growing a business
• business assistance
• seminars/workshops and networking opportunities.
• Aboriginal people that have been operating a business for two years or more can access specialised business services to help build their enterprise. This assistance allows the business operator to work with a specialised business consultant to implement and develop growth strategies, achieve business goals, get over a business hurdle, develop a marketing plan, or design a website.
• assistance to enter export markets and participate in local or international industry trade shows. Trade shows provide businesses with an opportunity to exhibit products to new buyers and access new markets.
• other business programs: Industry & Investment NSW offers a wide range of business support programs, services and business workshops. Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to examine all business programs for which they may be eligible.

How to access Aboriginal business support programs

Aboriginal businesses wishing to access business support programs need to contact their local Aboriginal Business Development Manager who will explain what is required. All Aboriginal businesses must meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance under the Aboriginal Business Development Program a business will need to meet the following criteria:

• At least 50 per cent  of the ownership is with Aboriginal persons OR
• At least 50 per cent  of the governing board  is made up of  Aboriginal people
• The Aboriginal business must have an ABN
• The business must have been operating a fulltime business for two years or more
• The business must provide copies of two years of annual financial reports
• Be able to identify key performance indicators to be achieved as a result of accessing program. This includes for example: increased sales, increased employment, and access to new markets, and improved business management.

For export and international trade show assistance there are additional criteria.

• Assessed as export ready by a Department’s export advisor.
• Advise how the export activity will generate business or employment growth in NSW;
• Have tradeable goods or services
• Ensure the products/services to be promoted meet the current market needs;
• Be visiting a new market, ie the company is not represented in and is not already selling regularly to the market concerned;

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available for the following business activities:-

• Engaging a specialised business consultant up to a maximum amount of $5,000 is available
• To enter export markets up to a maximum amount of $3,000 is available.
• To participate in an industry trade show assistance of up to $3,000 is available

Any additional costs are to be met by the Aboriginal business.

What you need to do

Following a meeting with your local Aboriginal Business Development Manager you should:

• Write to the Department seeking assistance. This request must be posted on business letter head and include your ABN.
• Include copies of two years of annual financial reports
• Provide supporting documentation eg. quote from a business consultant, their CV and an outline of the service to be provided, or information on trade show you seek to attend.
• Identify key performance indicators to be achieved by accessing this business support.

The business activity must not commence prior to Departmental approval. For trade shows Aboriginal business are required to write to the Department two (2) months prior to the date of the show,

Support for program assistance is NOT guaranteed. The Department considers and assesses applications based on eligibility criteria, outcomes to be achieved from support, funding available, and the number of times the business has been supported. The Department will advise you in writing of the outcome of your application.

Contact your local Aboriginal Business Development Manager to clarify any information or to seek further assistance.