Government boosts support for Indigenous businesses

The Australian Government will provide greater support to Indigenous businesses, including financial support for state and regional Indigenous chambers of commerce and will establish a new business advisory group.

This announcement follows today’s release of the draft Indigenous Economic Development Strategy.

The Minister for Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the new measures would assist state and regional chambers of commerce to help more Indigenous Australians achieve their business goals, as well as providing employment for Indigenous people.

The Minister for Employment Participation, Mark Arbib, said the Indigenous business sector was still small, but fast developing and a vital part of the Australian economy.

‘Indigenous business networks provide role models and business leadership to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs,’ Senator Arbib said.

‘An Indigenous Business Advisory Group will also be established to provide direct, expert advice on business support and policies that will support growth in the sector.’

The strategy provides a pathway for Indigenous Australians to have the same opportunities as all Australians – to get an education, find a job or start their own business, own their own home and provide for their families.

To view the Strategy and related Action Plan, visit the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy website.