Yarpa celebrated the latest graduates of its flagship business accelerator program, Yarpa Grow, this week.
The program was delivered in partnership with Western Sydney University for this cohort of graduates, for the first time in its history.
Co-designed to support the sustainable growth and success of First Nations businesses, Yarpa Grow launched its partnership with the Western Sydney University in May this year.
Yarpa was officially launched by the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council in July 2018.
NSWALC chairperson Councillor Raymond Kelly said on Monday that Yarpa "continues to lead the way as the one-stop shop for First Nations businesses, industry and community".
"Today we celebrate the success of the graduates. Their commitment to the Yarpa Grow program, the strategic growth of their businesses and their own professional development demonstrates what economic empowerment and self-determination look like in practice," he said.
Yarpa Hub Acting Director Shannon Mallison said Yarpa Grow is the only university-certified micro-credential business accelerator program in NSW that is owned by an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation.
"Partnering with Western Sydney University, ranked number one for social, economic and environmental impact in the 2023 University Impact Rankings, has brought instant results," she said.
"Delivering Yarpa Grow as a micro-credential has added great value to the participants, with each receiving University certified recognition of their learning and accomplishments.
"The calibre of the content delivered throughout the program along with the dedication and expertise of the WSU business consultants and Yarpa business coaches resulted in a 100 per cent retention rate with 18 participants graduating from the program."
Ms Mallison said it was now time for the final stage of the Yarpa Grow program, where each participant delivers a pitch to their ideal buyer; "the next step in their growth journey".
The Yarpa Hub offers a range of support services to strengthen the First Nations business sector across NSW.
Yarpa Grow has been co-designed to create "an empowering environment" where cultural and community values meet business innovation.