Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative

Coaching and advice delivered locally by independent Aboriginal business advisors.

How we can help

Get free one-on-one coaching and advice delivered by Aboriginal peoples, who can assist with the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners.

Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI) advisors bring their own lived experience, knowledge of small business operations and strong community connections to the coaching sessions.

 Find an ABAI advisor  Book a call

Explore our services

Business coaching and advice

One-on-one coaching and advice delivered locally by independent Aboriginal business advisors.

 

Personalised support

Our Business Concierge team provides free, one-on-one support for new and existing businesses. Get help applying for financial assistance, licences and applications, and vouchers and grants. 

Events and webinars

Register for an event or webinar to develop your business skills and learn from business experts.  

Select ‘Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative’ for events specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners.  

 

Where are you in your business journey?

An ABAI advisor can work with you at every stage of your business journey.

Starting up

We'll support you with:

  • considering your business idea
  • conducting market research
  • developing a business plan
  • considering your business structure
  • looking at your finance options and cash flow
  • connecting to other support.

Running

We'll help you:

  • do a business health check
  • improve your digital presence
  • develop marketing and pricing strategies
  • adapt to challenges
  • build skills and confidence
  • connect to relevant training
  • with ongoing mentoring.

 

Growing

We can assist you to:

  • develop a growth plan
  • identify procurement opportunities and build your capability to bid and win new contracts
  • innovate and keep up with the latest digital tools.

Customer spotlight 

When a business owner in Tamworth was thinking about expanding her business, she met with an Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative advisor for help with start-up advice, business planning, strategy, and procurement. Watch this one-minute video to learn about the results.

Lyniece Keogh has been our ABAI business advisor since November, 2022, and it was around this time that we were considering expanding the business and exploring the possibility of having a physical studio premises in town in Tamworth. 

Lyniece has been absolutely invaluable on our business journey, helping us with startup advice, business planning, strategy, and procurement, and helping us to clearly articulate our vision and our purpose.

We successfully launched the Indigico Creative Studio in Tamworth, new South Wales in April, 2023.

We are so excited to have created a space that is a showcase of First Nations culture, art, and products from across the Gomeroi region and around the state.

Find your local Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative advisor

Our ABAI advisors identify as Aboriginal  and can assist with the cultural needs of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners.

ABAI advisors  bring their own lived experience, knowledge of small business operations and strong community connections to the coaching sessions.

Find a local ABAI advisor for your region and get in touch to request an advisory session. 

Hunter and Central Coast region
Craig Layer is the ABAI advisor for the Hunter and Central Coast region. These services are provided by the Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation. Read more about Craig and book an advisory session.
Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast region
John Bailey is the ABAI advisor for the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast region. These services are provided by the Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation. Read more about John and book an advisory session.
Illawarra and South Coast region
Richard Davis is the ABAI advisor for the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Inland region. These services are provided by the Illawarra ITeC. Read more about Richard and book an advisory session.
Sydney Metro and Greater Sydney region
Anthony Vickers is the ABAI advisor for the Sydney Metro and Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains). These services are provided by the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. Read more about Anthony and book an advisory session.
Last updated: 7 December 2023