Almost 1000 First Nations people and small-business owners in NSW are benefiting from the free business coaching and advice being provided by the New South Wales Government through the Service NSW Business Connect program and the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI).
The initiative is part of NSW’s commitment to further grow the business and employment opportunities for First Nations people through entrepreneurship, enterprise, and innovation, wherein free one-to-one local and culturally appropriate business coaching and advice will be provided to them across NSW.
“The NSW Government proudly supports small-business owners and is committed to seeing more First Nations entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses, and as they adapt and recover in times of change,” Executive Director Service NSW for Business, Cassandra Gibbens, said. “Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program which supports small businesses on their journey to success.
“The program has already supported hundreds of First Nations people and business owners with independent business advice, but we want to see this number continue to grow,” Gibbens added.
Service NSW Business Connect has more than 100 independent business advisors, including five from the First Nations community who have experience running their own businesses and are knowledgeable in business-related disciplines such as business and commerce.
“ABAI advisors can work with First Nations entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey,” Gibbens said. “The free advisory services are delivered by First Nations people who have experience in small-business operations and management and work closely with local industry and business development agencies.
“ABAI can help First Nations small-business owners by building capacity through greater connectivity to NSW Government procurement, supporting business start-up, encouraging business expansion and providing access to training and job creation,” Gibbens concluded.
