The Regional Business Workshop will be delivered by the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership, which is run jointly by the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Business School, and delivered in partnership with Kaiela Institute, Kinaway Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce and Indigenous Business Australia.
“In the Shepparton area, there are close to 50 First Nations businesses in all areas, from catering to construction,” Dr Ashlen Francisco, from Dilin Duwa, said.
“We know from research that Indigenous businesses are more likely to employ ‘mob’, so if we can help grow these businesses, then opportunities will flow to the rest of the community.”
Dr Francisco, a Wiradjuri academic, said Shepparton, which will host cycling events and a cultural festival, would suddenly change when the Commonwealth Games started, and it was not too early to begin preparation for the influx of people.
“In a few short years, the streets of Shepparton will be filled with tourists, competitors and Games officials,” she said.
“The Games provide a great opportunity for local businesses, especially local First Nations businesses, but we need to be prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for regional Victorian businesses.
“We have an opportunity to prepare businesses to increase their capacity. That work starts now.”
The three-day workshop will start on Wednesday, June 21 at The Connection, with for-profit and community organisations discussing ideas on how individually and as a collective they can grow the Indigenous business ecosystem in the region, with a focus on finance, marketing and leadership.
More information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dilin-duwa-regional-series-in-shepparton-21-23-june-2023-tickets-639265850367
