The McGowan Government is progressing plans with the Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation for a business support provider for Aboriginal businesses in the Mid-West.
The $5 million Business Development Unit, part of the Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement, will help Yamatji people and companies to embrace business opportunities.
A funding agreement to co-operatively design and establish the unit was executed between the State Government and Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation last week.
The unit will provide business incubation support for Yamatji businesses and entities, support existing Yamatji businesses to leverage and access finance, and link to regional procurement and partnership opportunities.
The funding agreement will establish the unit for an initial five-year period.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This is a great opportunity to drive growth and development of Aboriginal business in the region.
“Yamatji members will be able to develop their businesses in a whole range of industries like bush foods, creative arts, hydrogen projects, nursery and seed collection, horticulture, and retail.
“Wherever business and employment opportunities exist, Yamatji people will have support available for participation.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“The Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement offers real tangible benefits for Yamatji people, as demonstrated through the Business Development Unit.
“This initiative will offer practical, hands-on business support for Aboriginal businesses right across the Yamatji Nation to further support the sector’s growth.”
