The federal government has outlined a $20.5 million investment to support Indigenous businesses through a national network of Indigenous Business and Employment Hubs.
Designed to provide practical, on-the-ground assistance, the hubs — located in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Alice Springs/Mparntwe — offer start-up support, business coaching and mentoring, connections to financial services, links to industry, and access to workshops and networking opportunities.
Tyson Hubbard, owner of Allpro Plumbing Solutions — Australia's first certified Indigenous supplier of plumbing products — said the company has been working with Yarpa, the NSW Indigenous Business and Employment Hub, since 2021.
Based in southwest Sydney, he said Allpro had been able to complete "multiple business training and development workshops, business coaching sessions and online guidance masterclasses" through its work with Yarpa.
"We have also been to several Meet the Buyer events and completed the Yarpa Grow Program," Mr Hubbard said.
"Yarpa Hub provides a safe space for Aboriginal businesses and their commitment to our vision and building our capability is second to none."
Indigenous businesses contribute more than $16 billion to the Australian economy, according to the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership, employing more than 116,000 people and paying $4.2 billion in wages.
The government said the funding — which was previously budgeted and is part of the Commonwealth's 10-year Indigenous Business Sector Strategy (IBSS)— forms part of its commitment to boosting First Nations economic empowerment. In a statement, the government said the Indigenous Business and Employment Hubs have supported more than 3,000 Indigenous businesses since 2018.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the hubs are helping Indigenous businesses across the country thrive, describing Allpro Plumbing as an example of the "real impact these hubs are having in communities".
"This investment ensures First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs across the country can continue accessing practical, on-the-ground support through the hubs program," Senator McCarthy said.
"By working with entrepreneurs and businesses, the hubs are helping turn great ideas into successful enterprises and building a stronger future for the First Nations business sector."
