The Waalitj Hub has launched a new program for Indigenous businesses to leverage joint venture deals.

The Hub, which provides collaborative facilities, business mentoring, industry connections and independent professional services for Indigenous businesses, has developed a 'Joint Venture Toolkit' for Indigenous entrepreneurs navigating joint ventures (JV).

The toolkit was developed with industry organisations, partners, and Indigenous business owners, and is a best practice guide specifically tailored for JVs where one or more parties is Indigenous.

Waalitj Hub general manager Gohar Rind, a proud Badimaya Yamatji man, said the toolkit would educate Indigenous entreprenuers on what a good JV should comprise.

"We developed it to help empower Indigenous business owners with knowledge and resources on how to set up a JV well," he said.

"In a way that ensures value derived from the JV supports them, their family and community, along with the recognition of their cultural IP and competitive advantage."

Mr Rind said the agency had undertaken a large amount of joint venture intensive support cases among the 522 businesses it has supported since inception.

"Unfortunately we have seen stories where business owners have been taken unfair advantage of, and the JV set up has been in no way equitable," he said.

These shortcomings inspired Mr Rind's predecessor Shane Devitt to create a toolkit, which was developed through 18 months of research as a resource to combat an increasing number of JV support cases.

"The toolkit will show Indigenous business owners how a good JV can ensure positive outcomes for all parties," he said.

"We hope it will make a difference to a lot of people and set people up for success."

The JV toolkit forms broader support measures from the Waalitj Hub, which include free educational JV workshops, and ongoing intensive business for Indigenous business owners either currently involved or looking to establish a JV.

Waalitj, formerly the Wirrpanda Foundation, worked with Jackson McDonald Lawyers and Supply Nation to develop the toolkit, whose wealth of resources include guidance notes, explanatory guides, checklists and a practical template for board, director, and shareholder procedures.

"We are really proud of what we have developed and we believe it will make a real difference," Mr Rind said.

"Knowledge is empowering and we want to support Indigenous businesses to flourish.

"We are effectively giving people the tools to be informed and know what to ask for."

Waalitj said regular workshops would be held for those involved or considering JV partnerships as part of the toolkit launch.

Other resources in the new program include the provision of useful legal templates - such as a constitution, shareholders deed and a management agreement - to help businesses at all stages of their JV negotiation.

Mr Gohar, who has a variety of business and IT qualifications, said the Hub was passionate about promoting digital innovation and advancing the careers fellow First Nations people.

"At the core of Waalitj Hub is supporting Indigenous communities and developing sustainable businesses," he said.

Koormal Group, a leading service provider for civil and construction projects, has been a Waalitj Hub client since 2018.

In that time, it had received invaluable support and advice via the Hub for its dealings in the commercial, mining and government space.

"To have a hub like Waalitj for Indigenous businesses is an absolute terrific thing," said Gavin McGuire, a Ballardong Noongar man and Koormal Group owner and managing director.

"It's a place where Indigenous businesses can go to and feel comfortable, there is no shame and it's a great place to have a cup of tea."

The Hub also hosts practical workshops regularly for members, such as a business financials session in April with Hall Chadwick, and a contract and risk management one in March with Lamattina Legal.

They are designed to give members hands-on experience with industry-leading products and technology, and provide networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals.

To access the JV Toolkit, click here.