Support and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

• First Nations Arts Business Grants (Arts Queensland) provides funding of up to $10,000 to strengthen business skills and capacity of First Nations artists and arts and cultural businesses and organisations.
• The Indigenous Native Food Program provides support to First Nations businesses to explore and develop commercial opportunities for supply of their native food products.
• First Australians Capital empowers First Nations businesses to succeed through access to financial capital, resources and professional business services.
• Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT) is a social enterprise providing community empowerment and small business development opportunities, including small business finance and support.
• Many Rivers helps First Nations businesses get started and develop through access to loans, coaching, business tools and workshops.
• Visit the Australian Taxation Office to learn about support for First Nations businesses including deductions and tax concessions you may be able to claim, and how to get more help.

You can also search:

• for other government grants and funding programs for businesses
• the Grants and programs tool for Queensland and Australian government support and funding
• the Queensland Government Grants finder for Queensland grants and assistance programs.

• The Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism (DWATSIPM) works with Queensland First Nations business owners to grow and develop opportunities as supply chain providers. Email enterprise@dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au for assistance, and to organise a free business health check.
• Black Business Finder (BBF) provides access to First Nations businesses to participate in the supply chains for major projects in Queensland. Using the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway, BBF provides a search and match service for buyers. Find out if you can register your business on the BBF.
• Supply Nation is a certified supplier database for First Nations businesses to participate in the supply chains for major projects in Australia. When you register with Supply Nation, your business will be added to Indigenous Business Direct, an online directory that also provides capability and skills assessment, access to business resources, industry insights/market intelligence, and commercial finance options.

• The Queensland Indigneous Business Network (QIBN) supports First Nations businesses to grow and thrive through regional hubs, business mentoring, connection to procurement opportunities and local networks, and other support and advocacy services.
• The One Business program (TAFE Queensland) links First Nations business intenders, owners and operators to coaches and mentors, resources, tools and relevant support programs to assist in building business capacity and capability.
• Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) helps small- to medium-sized First Nations businesses through business workshops, and finance packages and loans to help you start and grow.
• The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the acquisition and management of land, salt water and fresh water to achieve economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits.
• Community First Development works with First Nations businesses and communities to assist them in achieving their goals through access to skilled volunteers and resources.
• Indigenous Governance Toolkit is an online resource developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, individuals and organisations to build their governance. The toolkit provides educational resources, examples, tools and guidance.
• Jawun partners with leading Australian companies and government agencies to place skilled people into Indigenous organisations.
• Business Station provides enterprise development services, including regular group and face-to-face workshops, interactive webinars and training to businesses across Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
• Balkanu (Cape York Development Corporation) supports First Nations entrepreneurs and businesses in the Cape York region through mentoring, business networks, marketing, strategic evaluation, business planning and assisting in sourcing funding.
• The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and communities to grow demand for First Nations businesses, products and services.
• The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations supports and regulates corporations under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). Find out more about registering as a corporation under the CATSI Act.

• Follow Deadly stories on Facebook to keep up to date on the achievements and successes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities, and learn about community events and opportunities.
• First Nations Arts Business Hub is an online hub connecting First Nations businesses, artists and artsworkers with resources, information, grants and opportunities to help strengthen and grow arts and cultural businesses.
• kuril dhagun, located in the State Library of Queensland, provides a culturally appropriate venue and flexible multi-purpose space for First Nations community members, community groups and businesses to host their cultural events, meetings and other activities.
• Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network that brings together local leaders across government, business and community to enhance the local economic growth, development, and diversity of Australian regions.
• The South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce aims to foster trade, build skills and capability, and advocate and generate wealth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in South East Queensland regions.
• The First Nations Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to improve First Nations' participation across the supply chain of government and industry, build the capability and capacity of First Nations businesses and advocate for First Nations business communities.