ABAI
Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative
Funded by the NSW Government,
this initiative provides business advisory
services to Aboriginal people and
Aboriginal business owners.
Supporting ABORIGINAL OWNED Businesses
in Illawarra, South East Coast & Riverina of New South Wales, Australia
Assistance For NEW & EXISTING Businesses
The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative supports Aboriginal owned businesses by; building capacity through greater connectivity to NSW Government Procurement, supporting business start-up, encouraging business expansion and providing access to training and job creation.
The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative achieves these objectives by:
>> Providing local and culturally appropriate business coaching and advice to start-ups and small to medium enterprises
>> Promoting business growth through relevant training, increased confidence and advice on innovative approaches
>> Providing a professional referral pathway to wrap around support services
>> Increased alignment and connectivity to broader Government initiatives
>> Increased involvement of Aboriginal owned businesses in NSW Government projects
This initiative replaces the longstanding Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer (AEDO) program and has been refreshed to ensure the delivery of a commercially focused business advisory initiative that includes support for existing Aboriginal owned and operated businesses to grow and diversify their business.
Illawarra ITeC delivers this service in Service Area 3 – Illawarra & South East and Riverina of New South Wales, Australia.
About the initiative
This initiative replaces the longstanding Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer (AEDO) program and has been refreshed to ensure the delivery of a commercially focused business advisory initiative that includes support for existing Aboriginal owned and operated businesses to grow and diversify their business.
Business plan assistance
Did you know that a good business plan will increase your chances of business success also for a Business Loan Approval?
A good Business Plan will increase your chances of business success. It will help you identify your customers, market areas, pricing strategies, financial and operational goals. Also, by doing and completing a business plan, you will better understand on how to run a business also it is an important requirement for gaining finance from financial institutions. The ABAI Officer can assist and help you put together a Business Plan.
Have you thought of Business Training?
Running your own Business can be stressful if you don’t understand the basics of operating a business, doing some sort of business training before you start a business i:e Self Employment Assistance Program (NEIS) small business course, TAFE business course, or any other small business course would benefit you greatly giving you knowledge and understanding of running and operating your own business, this is something you need to seriously think about before going onto business. Also talk to your Job Network Provider for referral to business assistance programs.
Do you need funds to start your business?
The ABAI Officer can advise you on looking at funding options for your business proposal.
Providing local and culturally appropriate business coaching and advice to start-ups and small to medium enterprises in the Illawarra, South East Coast and Riverina.
Richard Davis
ABAI Representative - Illawarra & Shoalhaven
Richard Davis is a respected elder of the Dharawal Nation and an Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI) advisor for the Illawarra, South-East and Tablelands region. Business advisory sessions with this advisor are reserved for people who identify as Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander.
Richard has been supporting Aboriginal People intending to start businesses and those in established business for the past 32 years. Richard is very passionate about working with Aboriginal communities, organisations and individuals to help them recognise opportunities and achieve business outcomes in a culturally appropriate manner.
David Dixon
ABAI Representative - Eurobodalla
David, a proud Djiringanj and Ngarigu man, resides in the Bega Valley on the NSW South Coast. With profound ties to the NSW South East coast, he possesses a profound regional insight. With a decade as a corporate business administrator and a track record of entrepreneurship, David blends cultural heritage and professional experience. His journey through corporate administration led to a Certificate 4 in Frontline Management and an Advanced Diploma of Management from NSW TAFE South Western Sydney Institute.
His distinctive background, combined with qualifications, enables him to empower Aboriginal individuals with business acumen, fostering the Aboriginal business sector with cultural sensitivity. Over two decades, David has provided invaluable advice, advocacy, coaching, and mentoring to local Aboriginal communities, nurturing management, personal growth, and community development.
David firmly believes in integrating Aboriginal communities into local, regional, national, and international economies through business ventures. His motivation resonates with the phrase “There is always a way,” driving him to aid community development. His forte lies in offering patient, knowledgeable, and wise guidance, fostering a spirit of growth and empowerment.
Funded by the NSW Government, this initiative provides business advisory services to Aboriginal people and Aboriginal business owners.
Visit the NSW Government ABAI site.
Fact Sheet
Download a printable PDF fact sheet to share with others.
Information Flyer
Downloable a printable PDF information sheet
Need Help?
If you have questions about this program get in contact.