Victoria Minister for Innovation Services and Small Business Louise Asher

Victoria Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell

$2.1 Million To Establish New Victorian Aboriginal Business Advisors Program

Victor P Taffa

Aboriginal businesses owners and operators across Victoria will benefit from a Victorian Coalition Government agreement worth $2.1 Million, to establish the Victorian Aboriginal Business Advisors Program.

Minister for Innovation Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the Aboriginal Business Advisors program will support Indigenous economic development and provide Indigenous businesses with the opportunity to strengthen existing management skills and forge new networks to improve business productivity.

“The four-year program will be delivered by qualified Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) business advisers and will work with established Aboriginal business owners and operators to identify opportunities for business productivity, improvements and growth.” Ms. Asher said.

“The collaboration between the Coalition Government and VECCI aims to improve the business skills, confidence and expertise of Victorian Aboriginal business owners and operators.” Ms. Asher said.

VIC Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell welcomed the Victorian Aboriginal Business Advisors program.

“This important funding is another component of the whole-of-government approach adopted by the Coalition Government to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage.” Mrs. Powell said.

VECCI Chief Executive, Mark Stone, said the Aboriginal Business Advisors program was based on extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities.

“By providing Indigenous businesses with practical and innovative business solutions, the Aboriginal Business Advisors program will also strengthen the broader Victorian economy into the future.” Mr. Stone said.

Chair of Kinaway, the Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, Karen Milward said the business advisors will develop individual support packages tailored to meet the needs of participating Indigenous businesses.

“Business Advisors will also assist Indigenous businesses to access existing Government and non-Government programs and services, such as those available through VECCI and Small Business Victoria.” Ms. Milward said.

For more information on the Aboriginal Business Advisors program contact Simon Tengende, General Manager Kinaway on 8662 5112, or visit business.vic.gov.au or vecci.org.au