Aboriginal Business Leadership Initiative Gascoyne training program to be run by Better Heart

A State Government program that aims to build the capacity of Aboriginal businesses has been extended to the Gascoyne. Better Heart Aboriginal Corporation will deliver the six-month program called the Aboriginal Business Leadership Initiative. Aiming to increase Aboriginal leadership capacity and grow sustainable businesses in regional WA, the Gascoyne program will develop Aboriginal business leaders’ skills, knowledge and networks, and empower business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators to harness growth opportunities. Better Heart Aboriginal Corporation is engaging with local stakeholders to market the program and structure training, with the first round of candidates to begin a training program this month. Delivering this leadership training, mentoring and support program in the Gascoyne will be significant to the region and the Inggarda, Baiyungu, Thalanji, Malgana and Thudgarri people. The initiative collectively supported 60 Aboriginal start-up businesses across the State. Regional Development Minister Don Punch said this was the first program to be delivered by an Aboriginal business. “With the reopening of the Gwoonwardu Mia Aboriginal Culture Centre, there is greater optimism about economic and social opportunities, particularly Aboriginal economic tourism development initiatives,” he said. “We are keen to support the development of emerging and existing local Aboriginal businesses in the Gascoyne.”