State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced The Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program as part of the government’s $10 million package to support First Nations businesses.
Indigenous-owned and operated businesses can apply for funding to support and expand their businesses, with grants of up to $10,000 available.
Grants can be used for training and accreditation, mentorship, networking, marketing and access to expert advisory services.
Grants of up to $100,000 are also available for purchasing new assets, planning and delivering business cases, conducting studies and specialist training.
Also included in the $10 million package is support for seven Traditional Owner corporations in regional Victoria.
This will help establish economic hubs where Indigenous-owned businesses can connect, access support and showcase their work.
Koori Caucus chair Jason Mifsud said the program would help close the economic gap and lift more First Nations people out of the low-income bracket.
“If we close the economic gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, we will see more Aboriginal people moving from welfare to wages, and from wages to wealth,” he said.
“This shift will bring significant economic benefits back into the whole Victorian economy.”
Applications close on Friday, September 6.
Learn more and apply at business.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-business-grants
8°C