Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses are a vital and growing part of the New South Wales (NSW) economy. From tourism and cultural enterprises to construction, agriculture, and professional services, Aboriginal entrepreneurs are creating jobs, fostering economic independence, and strengthening communities. To support this important work, the NSW Government—along with key partners like Service NSW and Indigenous Business Australia—offers a range of programs, grants, and advisory services specifically designed to help Aboriginal-owned businesses start, grow, and thrive.
Whether you’re launching a small business in a remote community or expanding your operations into the broader Australian market, understanding and accessing these opportunities can be a game-changer. This blog offers a detailed guide to the key supports available for Aboriginal-owned businesses in NSW.
Why Supporting Aboriginal Businesses Matters
Aboriginal businesses are more than just economic entities—they are cultural powerhouses and community anchors. When Indigenous entrepreneurs succeed, they often reinvest in their communities, employ local people, and uphold traditional knowledge and practices. That’s why tailored support and funding programs are critical: they help close economic gaps and promote self-determination in Aboriginal communities.
Top Programs and Grants Available for Aboriginal-Owned Businesses in NSW
1. Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI)
The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI) is a flagship program supported by the NSW Government. It offers:
- Free, confidential, and one-on-one business advice
- Support for writing business plans and accessing finance
- Assistance with navigating legal and compliance requirements
- Referrals to relevant government programs and networks
Advisors in the ABAI program are culturally competent and often Aboriginal themselves, ensuring they understand the unique challenges and strengths of Indigenous businesses.
2. Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) is a federal agency that offers a broad suite of services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs, including:
- Business Finance: Low-interest loans for start-ups, expansions, and asset purchases
- Business Support: Mentorship, training, and industry-specific advice
- Performance Support: Coaching for existing businesses to scale sustainably
IBA also partners with Service NSW to streamline local support delivery and connect business owners to both state and federal resources.
3. NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC)
The NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce supports a network of Aboriginal businesses across the state. It provides:
- Access to training and development events
- Business-to-business and business-to-government networking
- Supply chain and procurement inclusion initiatives
NSWICC also runs prequalification programs to prepare Aboriginal businesses to tender for large-scale projects and government contracts.
4. Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP)
The NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) mandates that government agencies award a certain number of contracts to Aboriginal-owned businesses each year. This includes:
- Minimum annual procurement targets for Aboriginal businesses
- Opportunities in construction, catering, logistics, security, and more
- Simplified procurement processes for Aboriginal suppliers
Registering your business with Supply Nation and the Indigenous Business Directory can greatly increase visibility and eligibility for these opportunities.
5. Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate
All small businesses in NSW, including Aboriginal-owned businesses, are eligible to apply for the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate—up to $1,000 to help offset the cost of government fees such as licenses, permits, and council charges.
Additional Training and Development Opportunities
1. TAFE NSW Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer (AEDO) Program
Through TAFE NSW, the AEDO program provides Aboriginal-specific business training and coaching. Entrepreneurs can receive:
- Business plan development support
- Help applying for ABNs and business names
- Connections to grants and micro-finance
- Workshops in both regional and urban communities
2. Women in Business Program (with a Focus on Aboriginal Women)
This self-paced online training, provided by TAFE NSW and Service NSW, is ideal for Aboriginal women entrepreneurs. It includes free access to:
- Modules on e-commerce, marketing, and financial management
- Peer networks and community forums
- Certificates of completion to enhance credibility
3. Business Connect Program
Aboriginal businesses can also access the mainstream Business Connect program, which offers:
- Personalised one-on-one business advice
- Workshops, webinars, and tools for growth and compliance
- Advisors located across NSW—including many with Indigenous backgrounds
How to Access These Opportunities
- Visit the Service NSW Business Portal
- Book an appointment with an Aboriginal Business Advisor via ABAI
- Register your business with Supply Nation or NSWICC
- Use the Grants and Assistance Finder tool to locate funding options
- Apply for support programs via IBA or local councils
Real Impact: Aboriginal Business Success Stories
Across NSW, Aboriginal-owned businesses are thriving thanks to these support structures. From construction firms working on major infrastructure projects to Indigenous art collectives and bush food enterprises, each success story is a testament to the power of targeted support and community-driven entrepreneurship.
Conclusion: Building a Stronger, Inclusive Economy
Supporting Aboriginal-owned businesses is essential to reconciliation, community empowerment, and economic growth in NSW. With the help of grants, advisory programs, and strategic procurement policies, Aboriginal entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed and scale sustainably. If you’re an Aboriginal business owner—or aspiring to be one—there’s never been a better time to start.
Explore the available programs and take the first step toward building a resilient, thriving Aboriginal business in NSW today.
📢 Share Your Business Journey
Are you an Aboriginal entrepreneur with a success story or insights to share? We’d love to hear from you.
Contact us at [email protected] to contribute a guest blog post or feature your business story.
