Aboriginal Business Growth Program

The Aboriginal Business Growth Program has been developed to support Aboriginal businesses sustain and grow their business.

It recognises that some Aboriginal firms will benefit from a one-on-one approach with an experienced business person.  This Program delivers an experienced business person right to the Aboriginal business.

The Program offers access to a Departmentally-approved business consultant who will use a hands-on approach with the business to assist it implement and develop growth strategies.  Assistance will focus on sustainability and growth and may include the following as an example:

• Develop and implement growth strategies.
• Achieve a business goal.
• Get through a business hurdle.
• Implement actions from the Business Review Program's Aboriginal Enterprise Development Action Plan that the business is having difficulty undertaking.

The Program provides financial assistance of up to 75% of the costs which range from $500 to $6,000, depending on the nature of the Aboriginal Business Growth Program, for an eligible business to access a Departmentally-approved experienced business person.

The Departmentally-approved experienced business person will work with the Aboriginal firm to achieve its agreed outcomes for a defined period not exceeding 12 months.

Eligibility Criteria

A client business must meet all of the following criteria to be considered eligible for the Program:

• At least 50% of the ownership is with Aboriginal persons;  or
• At least 50% of the governing board consists of Aboriginal people.
• The Aboriginal business must have an ABN.
• Have been operating a business for two years or more.
• Able to provide two year's of annual financial report.
• Able to identify and clearly outline the business goal or hurdle to be addressed through the Program.
• Able to provide the defined time period of the Program.
• Have completed a Business Review and can demonstrate that the business is implementing the Aboriginal Enterprise Development Action Plan;  or
• Has a current business plan that is being implemented.
• The business must demonstrate a serious commitment to improving and growing its enterprises.

Aboriginal businesses seeking to access this Program should contact their Aboriginal Business Development Manager.  All applications must be made in writing.

Not all eligible businesses may be accepted into the Aboriginal Business Growth Program.

Assistance under the Aboriginal Business Growth Program is only available for businesses that cannot access a Regional Development Program.