Business Ownership
Many Australians have created successful businesses out of things they are passionate about. You too are more likely to work hard to make your business a success if you are doing something that you really enjoy. To get started, you need some relevant skills and an idea to either create a business, or develop the one you already own. The better developed your vocational and management skills are, the greater your likelihood of success.
‘Owning your own business means that you make the decisions for what is best for the business. Another advantage is flexibility. Like working the hours you want to work – although for us we tend to over-work’. - Julie Shaw, fashion designer, ‘Luela’.
Business Development Program
Jason Smith outside his business, Pride Casual Furniture.
Through its Business Development Program, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) assists eligible Indigenous Australians to establish, acquire and grow small to medium businesses, by providing business support services and business loans.
To be eligible to participate in the Program you must be over 18 years of age and at least one applicant must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. At least 50% of the ownership of your business must be by a person(s) of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Business support
IBA’s business support services assist Indigenous Australians to get into business, stay in business and succeed in business.
Having access to expert advice, information and support and creating a well-developed business plan at the outset, will all increase your chances of being successful in your business over the long term.
IBA has an extensive network of qualified business consultants available to help you. These consultants can assist with all aspects of establishing and operating a small business, from helping you prepare a feasibility assessment or write a marketing plan, to providing ongoing mentoring and business related training. A consultant can also assist if your business is not performing well, by analysing your business operations and performance issues and developing strategies to resolve those issues.
Whether you are just starting out, or looking to expand your business, IBA can tailor its services to your individual business needs.
Business loans
IBA provides business loans to eligible Indigenous Australians who may otherwise have difficulty satisfying mainstream bank lending criteria. Through partnerships with lenders such as the National Australia Bank IBA is able to offer business-specific loan products that complement our business support services.
Are you considering business ownership?
Find out more about our Business Development Program in our Indigenous Small Business Development fact sheet (PDF 127KB, new window) and Indigenous Business Assistance brochure (PDF 2.4MB, new window).
If you are interested in participating in the Business Development Program, please phone our staff on FreeCALL 1800 107 107* and discuss your business idea and eligibility with one our Business Development team.
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