Almost 1,000 First Nations people and small business owners in NSW have been provided with free business coaching and advice through the Service NSW Business Connect program and the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI).
Executive Director Service NSW for Business Cassandra Gibbens said NSW is committed to growing business and employment opportunities for First Nations people by fostering entrepreneurship, enterprise and innovation.
"The NSW Government proudly supports small business owners and is committed to seeing more First Nations entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses, and as they adapt and recover in times of change," Ms Gibbens said.
"Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program which supports small businesses on their journey to success.
"The program has already supported hundreds of First Nations people and business owners with independent business advice, but we want to see this number continue to grow."
Service NSW Business Connect has more than 100 independent business advisors, including five who identify as First Nations people, who have experience running their own business with qualifications in business-related disciplines such as business and commerce.
Ms Gibbens said a collaborative approach from Business Connect and the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI) would further support First Nations people and business owners with free one-to-one local and culturally appropriate business coaching and advice across NSW.
"ABAI advisors can work with First Nations entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey," Ms Gibbens said.
"The free advisory services are delivered by First Nations people who have experience in small business operations and management and work closely with local industry and business development agencies.
"ABAI can help First Nations small business owners by building capacity through greater connectivity to NSW Government procurement, supporting business start-up, encouraging business expansion and providing access to training and job creation."
ABAI moved from Training Services NSW under the NSW Department of Education to Service NSW on 1 October 2022.
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