Minister Enoch shines spotlight on Indigenous small business

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch today (Tuesday) congratulated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander small business owners for the rich diversity they bring to the state’s business landscape.

Speaking at the NAIDOC Week Small Business breakfast in Brisbane, Ms Enoch said the value and contribution of Indigenous businesses is important to both our state’s economic strength, and communities in urban and regional centres.

“NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Enoch said.

“This year’s theme is Our Languages Matter, which aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role Indigenous languages play in cultural identity.

“This theme reflects the importance of Indigenous-owned small businesses and the contribution they make to their communities.

“To support this, in October 2016, I announced the formation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business and Innovation Reference Group to champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business growth and innovation.

“The reference group brings together an outstanding group of 13 appointed members - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs, business leaders and researchers to provide strategic advice on matters that impact their businesses and communities.

“In addition, the Advancing Indigenous Business (AIB) initiative is being implemented as part of the $22.7 million Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20,” Ms Enoch said.

“This initiative will deliver targeted support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and business owners, to enable them to unlock their full potential and navigate the rapidly changing economic landscape to effectively start, grow and employ.

“Less than one percent of all businesses in Australia are owned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The majority of these businesses are small or micro in size, and are primarily found in major urban areas.

“Under the AIB initiative, there will be a more coordinated approach across Queensland Government to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander small businesses to opportunities and support.

“We are aiming to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Queensland, and to improve business survival rates. We will also be encouraging increased participation in support activities for small business owners such as grants, workshops and mentoring.”

Brisbane Indigenous business owner Dean Gibson is a recent recipient of a Palaszczuk Government Small Business Digital Grant.

His business, Bacon Factory Films, gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories a broader reach through enhanced digital platforms.

Dean’s work has screened across multiple Australian television stations. From multi-million dollar campaigns for the Federal Government and major corporations, to grass-roots content in remote Indigenous communities, Dean has the ability to tell a relatable yarn at every level.

“It’s pleasing to see the Queensland Government providing this necessary support for small business to succeed in the digital space,” Mr Gibson said.

“Funds from the grant will allow us to actively engage with our digital audience. Our website will be upgraded so we can showcase our work in greater detail, giving us more exposure to potential clients.

“And we can now look at employing social media and content creation services to make sure our digital presence is driving our business growth.”

TECKnology Indigenous Corporation in Bundaberg is a Round 2 Small Business Digital Grant recipient. This innovative business uses traditional Indigenous knowledge to enhance outcomes in the environmental and agricultural sectors.

Its matched grant funding will go towards creating a strong online presence to more robustly market its products and services to the general public and targeted industries.

“With our brand more widely known, we will be able to get greater market share of the wildlife rescue business,” said owner, Leslie Lowe.

“Larger businesses wishing to engage our skills in vegetation assessments and management will be able to visit our website to assess our capabilities.”

NAIDOC Week is being celebrated across Australia from 2-9 July. For more information visit www.naidoc.org.au

ENDS

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