Aboriginal Business Development Forum 2020

Completed 2020

In October 2020, the Commission hosted the second Gascoyne Aboriginal Business Development Forum. The forum utilised the state-of-the-art facilities at Gwoonwardu Mia in Carnarvon and focused on engaging and empowering existing and potential Aboriginal business owners by bringing together the private sector, industry, government, and non-government organisations. The forum succeeded with over 65 people from a diverse range of backgrounds in attendance.

Gascoyne Aboriginal Business Development Forum 2020.

The Commission drew on its event planning and facilitation capabilities to create a forum tailored to local needs. The forum was co-designed with industry stakeholders, through a collaborative working group that formed early in 2020. The group, led by the Commission, recognised early on that the forum should focus on engaging and empowering existing and potential Aboriginal business owners. Forming connections and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal entrepreneurs and business development support services was the ultimate goal. The Commission engaged local Aboriginal business owners Darren Capewell from Wula Gura Nyindi Eco Adventure Tours and Robbie Mallard the owner of successful construction business Mallard Contracting as the MC and presenter on the day.

The Gascoyne Aboriginal Business Development Forum also provided an opportunity to for industry engage with existing and potential Aboriginal business owners to identify and harness economic development opportunities in the region.

Results:

• 67 participants.
• three presenters.
• seven “On Country Business Pitch for Aboriginal People” pitches were submitted after the workshop.
• ongoing fortnightly business mentoring services initiated at Gwoonwardu Mia with the Wirra Hub and the Commission supporting local Aboriginal entrepreneurs.