Aboriginal economic development is strongest when Aboriginal people have the power to decide what their communities need, where investment should go and what success looks like. That is self-determination in practice: not simply having a voice, but having the resources and authority to determine what happens next.

Since its inception in 2022, Aboriginal Investment NT has provided access to $73.5 million through its grant programs, supporting Aboriginal communities, businesses and social enterprises across the Northern Territory. The investment supports community-led projects, Aboriginal businesses, cultural programs, education, training and social enterprises shaped by Aboriginal people and responding to priorities within their communities.

Aboriginal Investment NT chief executive Nigel Browne said the response demonstrated a strong appetite among Aboriginal Territorians to invest in their future and strengthen social, economic and cultural outcomes.

"The number of grant applications reflects the genuine desire of Aboriginal Territorians to build self-sufficiency and self-determination," Mr Browne said.

"We are proud to see how $73.5 million in grant funding is creating lasting social impact for Aboriginal people across a wide range of sectors throughout the Northern Territory."

There is power in community-led investment because Aboriginal communities know their own strengths, needs and aspirations. Access to capital allows them to act on those priorities rather than waiting for someone else to decide what their communities need.

The $73.5 million has been allocated through several programs. Almost $480,000 has been provided through Community Quick Response Grants for one-off community and cultural events, while almost $26 million has supported community-led projects delivering cultural, social and economic benefits.

Almost $11 million has been allocated through Business Grants to help Aboriginal Territorians establish or grow Aboriginal majority-owned businesses operating in the Northern Territory. A further $36.3 million was allocated through the 2023-24 NT Aboriginal Investment Commission Grants Program to support community, business and social enterprises.

Behind those figures are Aboriginal people making decisions about their own priorities.

At Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre in Wurrumiyanga, a Community Quick Response Grant enabled Tiwi artists to travel to Darwin for an exhibition featuring their work.

"Travelling to see their own exhibition is so meaningful, as they see how their artwork is presented and valued beyond the art centre and Tiwi community," Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre said.

"David and Graham feel so proud when they see their work in the gallery and meet people interested in their art and wanting to learn about Tiwi culture."

The value extends beyond travel. It gives Aboriginal artists the opportunity to see their work valued by new audiences, share Tiwi culture and participate in the economy while remaining connected to community.

For Aboriginal businesses, the impact can be equally significant.

FIT'AZ 4LIFE business owner Stephen Cardona was approved for a Business Growth Grant to support his business.

"Never give up on your business dream and don't think you have to do everything yourself. Aboriginal Investment NT was very helpful," Mr Cardona said.

"If you are applying for a grant, make sure you communicate with the Aboriginal Investment NT Grants team."

Strong Aboriginal businesses can create employment, build skills, keep economic activity within communities and create pathways for the next generation of Aboriginal entrepreneurs.

Mr Browne said Aboriginal Investment NT had refined its grants programs by listening to feedback and applying lessons from experience.

"Aboriginal Investment NT has actively listened, considered and applied key learnings to strengthen and streamline our grants programs," he said.

"This ensures that we continue delivering our purpose of returning equity to Aboriginal people across the Territory to support greater economic activity in our communities."

That idea of returning equity sits at the heart of the bigger picture.

For generations, Aboriginal people have watched decisions about land, resources, investment and development being made around them, often with limited control over where the benefits flow. Self-determination cannot exist on consultation alone. A voice without resources can still leave people without power.

Self-determination requires access to capital. It requires the ability to make decisions, build enterprises, create wealth and determine what success looks like for Aboriginal people and communities.

Aboriginal Investment NT is designed as an investor, enabler, catalyst and advocate for Aboriginal-led investment, with capital aligned to Aboriginal development priorities. Its legislative purpose is to progress Aboriginal self-management, self-sufficiency, and social and cultural wellbeing under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976.

Its vision is to grow Aboriginal money for future generations, strengthen Aboriginal economic, social and cultural systems, build collective Aboriginal wealth and elevate Aboriginal interests.

Round 3 of the Business Growth and Start Up Grants is now open.

The $73.5 million demonstrates what can happen when investment is directed towards Aboriginal priorities and communities have greater control over how that investment is used.

Economic development that is Aboriginal-led and community-driven can create businesses, employment, skills, cultural opportunities, stronger communities and wealth for future generations.

That is self-determination in action.