The Andrews Labor Government today announced new grants to benefit Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs and startups and a $750,000 funding package for Kinaway, Victoria’s Aboriginal chamber of commerce.
Victoria’s startup agency LaunchVic has opened a round of grants designed to improve access and participation in the state’s startup community for Aboriginal Victorians.
The grants of up to $500,000 will drive education, acceleration, incubation and mentoring programs that focus on startup thinking, global engagement and the use of disruptive technology for Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
LaunchVic’s mapping of the Victorian startup sector in 2017 showed Aboriginal businesses are poorly represented. Additionally, the rate of entrepreneurship for non-Aboriginal Australians was about three times more than that of Aboriginal Australians, according to the 2011 Census.
The Labor Government also announced a $750,000 funding package for Kinaway that will give Aboriginal businesses access to more support, a new online business directory and more development programs.
The funding will allow Kinaway to establish partnerships that connect Aboriginal businesses to the corporate sector, develop an advisory hub for Aboriginal businesses to engage with corporates and host tailored workshops.
Kinaway, which has just moved into a dedicated new office in Collingwood, will now advertise for a general manager to oversee this exciting new phase in the chamber’s development.
Today’s announcements are part of Tharamba Bugheen, the Victorian Government’s $6.63 million Aboriginal Business Strategy which is helping Aboriginal Victorians become innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Applications for LaunchVic grants will close Thursday 24 May. More information is available at .
Quote attributable to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis
“We value the contribution Aboriginal businesses make to the state’s economy and community and we want to see them succeed."
Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins
“We’re creating more opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs and this work is underpinned by our commitment to self-determination for Aboriginal Victorians.”
Quote attributable to LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick
“This a great chance to strengthen entrepreneurial culture among Aboriginal Victorians and foster a startup sector that reflects Victoria’s strengths in inclusivity and diversity.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020