A new business accelerator program that will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses has been launched in Sydney.
The free Indigenous business development program has been created with the support of a $30,000 grant from the City of Sydney.
The 12-month program will promote and support Indigenous business and cultures, and create more opportunities for growth and development.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said this Indigenous business development program was part of the City's work to support economic opportunities for First Peoples of Australia.
"Through leadership, mentoring and practical support, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in our city will gain knowledge on technology, entrepreneurship and innovation from industry experts," the Lord Mayor said.
"This is an important step in our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities access business opportunities in our city and further strengthen the local start-up economy."
Greg Hodgkinson, founder of online and offline IndigiSpace for Indigenous businesses, has developed the program with global early-stage investment group, Investible. He will lead 15 Indigenous business owners on the year-long business development program.
He says a passion for supporting other businesses has inspired the new course.
"This is about empowering and supporting Indigenous businesses through developing partnerships, training, mentoring and pitching events," Mr Hodgkinson said.
"We want to break down the barriers to starting and growing enterprises by providing Indigenous businesses with the skills, capacity and confidence to be successful.
"It's about creating opportunities so entrepreneurs and business owners can reach their potential.
"We'll do this by giving them direction and strategies to explore their ideas, tap into business networks and provide scalable business model frameworks to get a clear understanding of what investors are looking for."
The Indigenous business development program is open to all Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses. The year-long program will include a pre-program online workshop, promotion night, 'IndiPitch' weekend, workshops and mentoring sessions. Visit indigispace.com for further details.
For media inquiries or images, contact Belinda Wallis.
Phone 0467 810 160 or email bwallis@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Anusha Muller.
Phone 0408 494 545 or email amuller@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
- Indigispace workshop 1.10 MB