Indigenous Business Australia has launched the First Nations Women in Business Coaching Program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
Supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), the program will provide tailored coaching, mentoring, networking and business capability development opportunities for Indigenous women, with a focus on regional and remote communities.
The program will support women at all stages of their business journey, from aspiring entrepreneurs through to established business owners.
IBA board director, Leah Cameron (Brown), the founder and principal solicitor of Marrawah Law and Advisory, lauded the new program.
"First Nations women are leading businesses and creating opportunity right across the country, often against the odds," Ms Cameron (Brown) said.
"This program is about backing them with the coaching, mentoring and connections they've told us they need and designing it alongside them, so it genuinely reflects their aspirations.
"I'm proud IBA is investing in the economic independence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women."
To help shape the initiative, IBA is undertaking a co-design process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women entrepreneurs and business owners.
IBA says Insights gathered through the co-design process will help shape the program and inform how it can better support Indigenous women to pursue business opportunities, build capability, access finance and investment pathways, and connect with the support needed to achieve their business aspirations.
The program will also be delivered through partnerships with Indigenous-led businesses and organisations across Australia, ensuring support is culturally safe, place-based and responsive to local needs, opportunities and priorities.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said she recognises the important role First Nations women play to their families, communities, and the Australian economy.
"First Nations women are leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs," Senator McCarthy said.
"IBA's First Nations Women in Business Coaching Program will help more First Nations women turn business ideas into successful enterprises and grow existing businesses.
"Importantly, the program is being co-designed with First Nations women, to ensure it reflects their experiences, priorities and ambitions which is vital for economic empowerment."
The First Nations Women in Business Coaching Program builds on the foundations of IBA's Strong Women Strong Business network, which is says has connected more than 2,800 First Nations women since 2018.
IBA said further details, including eligibility criteria and participation opportunities, will be released as the initiative design is finalised.
Women interested in receiving updates about the initiative can register their interest online.
