Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan today presented graduation certificates to 13 Aboriginal business people from the Goldfields for completing an intensive business leadership program that will help drive regional job opportunities.
The Goldfields Aboriginal Business Leadership program was delivered by Betterlink Group and the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC), with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The program included business planning, legal and financial training, mentoring and networking opportunities. Many of the participants are already collaborating on business initiatives.
The GEDC will continue to work with participants on local content and business development opportunities in the region, including State Government supply and tender opportunities and investment projects.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The Goldfields Aboriginal Business Leadership program has given existing and emerging entrepreneurs the skills, knowledge and confidence to take their enterprises to the next level.
"The program has received tremendous feedback from the participants: it has generated an opportunity for local Aboriginal business people to support each other and to further develop their businesses.
"The Goldfields Aboriginal Business Leadership program is one of a range of McGowan Government regional economic development initiatives that are designed to create new opportunities for Aboriginal people by driving business diversity, jobs and growth in our regions.
"We look forward to seeing where the program participants - including contractors, tourism operators, media services, beauty and traditional medicine manufacturers and advocacy services - take their businesses next."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
"This is another great initiative from the McGowan Government to show our commitment in driving capacity within Goldfields Aboriginal businesses.
"It's critical to have strong leadership skills in this sector particularly with small businesses, and these 13 people have taken this great opportunity to put themselves in the best position to succeed.
"The GEDC is once again leading the way on business development, particularly with Aboriginal businesses."
