Government extends $20.5m support for First Nations business hubs

The Albanese Government has pledged $20.5 million to extend a national network of Indigenous Business and Employment Hubs, aiming to provide more First Nations entrepreneurs with culturally safe, practical support to start and grow businesses.

Announced on Sunday by Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the investment will support hubs in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Alice Springs – Mparntwe. The hubs offer on-the-ground assistance including start-up support, business coaching and mentoring, connections to financial services, links to industry and access to workshops and networking events.

“Indigenous Business and Employment Hubs are helping First Nations businesses grow and thrive” Senator McCarthy said. The government says the hubs have supported more than 3,000 First Nations businesses since 2018, with services delivered predominantly by First Nations-led providers.

Program information published by business.gov.au says the hubs are designed to give First Nations businesses a central place to access advice and support, and a culturally appropriate place to work and meet clients. It also says there is no cost for First Nations people accessing support services through the hubs.

The announcement highlighted the experience of Allpro Plumbing Solutions, which works with Yarpa – the NSW Indigenous Business and Employment Hub in Western Sydney. Owner Tyson Hubbard said his business has used the program to build capability and connections. “We have completed multiple business training and development workshops, business coaching sessions and online guidance masterclasses” Mr Hubbard said.

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Senator McCarthy said the renewed funding is intended to help First Nations entrepreneurs keep using the program’s practical supports as they develop and scale businesses. “This investment ensures First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs across the country can continue accessing practical, on the ground support through the hubs program” she said.

The hubs sit within the Commonwealth’s Indigenous Business Sector Strategy, a 10-year plan (2018–28) designed to grow the size and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned enterprises. Recent research from the University of Melbourne’s Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership estimates Indigenous businesses generate $16.1 billion in annual revenue, employ 116,795 people and pay $4.2 billion in wages – underlining the sector’s growing role in Australia’s economy.​