Business Builder Program
Are you a First Nations entrepreneur looking to grow your existing business?
Join our Business Builder Program, open to First Nations-owned businesses in the Northern Territory.
In our 12 month Business Builder Program, Impact North will walk with you on your entrepreneurial journey. We would support you as an individual and enable you to grow your business.
Throughout the Business Builder Program, we will provide you with support that incorporates important business skills and tools to help move your business forward.
Our Business Builder Program will emphasise on-Country learning time to enable you to develop your chosen business areas, and allow time for reflection and consideration with your peers. This is a core offering of our support, as we acknowledge that time away from your business is precious.
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You will work on what is important to you.
Our program includes lots of interactive activities to support your growth. You'll participate in online group sessions where you can learn and collaborate with peers. Personalised coaching will be available to address your specific needs and goals.
You'll also have access to mentorship and in-person meet ups. All your travel costs will be fully covered, ensuring you can focus on participating in the program without worrying about any additional expenses. This includes transportation, accommodation, and any other related costs.
How We Work
We empower remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs to transform their communities through enterprise. Our program is built upon four key principles to achieve this.
Remote Impact
Our focus is clear: we support businesses that create meaningful change in remote NT Indigenous communities. Your business must demonstrate a commitment to delivering positive outcomes that benefit your community - whether through employment, cultural preservation, essential services, or economic development. We're here to help you build a sustainable business that makes a real difference where it matters most.
Tailored to you
You are on a Program with other people, but your experience will be based on what you need for your business. This means:
- We will develop a plan with you based on your personal and business goals and the skills you want to develop
- We will decide together whether we will deliver workshops where you are, or support you to travel to us
- We will identify Facilitators from our network who are the best fit for you, based on their cultural, community, industry or business backgrounds.
Relationships First
We prioritise building a strong relationship with you and your team. We want to understand why you are doing this business, and what are your dreams for the future before jumping headfirst into the program.
Community Rich
We believe in the power of community to support long-term success. Through our program, you'll connect with other Indigenous entrepreneurs, industry mentors, and community leaders who understand your journey. These relationships create a lasting support network that extends beyond the program, providing ongoing encouragement, knowledge sharing, and collaboration opportunities.
What to expect
Assessment
We have several conversations to learn about you, your community and your business to understand what support you are looking for. Before we bring you on to our Program we consider what expertise and networks we can offer, how we can support you and if we are the right program for you and your business.
Vision (Goals)
Once we get started, we spend time getting to know you and your business. During this time we do a lot of listening and understanding. We will talk to you about your business model, how you create impact in communities, and what you need support on.
Tailoring
Together we will come up with a plan to help you achieve those goals. We will also plan key dates and set milestones together.
Inviting Expertise
You will work with a select group of Facilitators and Coaches to overcome challenges and build your business.
Connecting
Connect and learn alongside fellow NT entrepreneurs through our in-person Leadership Camps and online learning sessions.
Empowered Alumni
Once you complete the program, you become part of our Alumni. We will keep in touch, offer opportunities and recommend your business wherever possible.
Building Change Through Business and Community Impact
Our participants build businesses that create real change in their communities. Join a program where innovation meets opportunity.
of participants feel motivated to continue their business journey.
of participants found that role modelling and inspiring others was a key outcome.
xHalevents, Business Builder Alumni
Meet our Alumni
Here are the entrepreneurs and businesses shaping Northern Australia's future.
Galiwin'ku Women's Space is a pioneering Indigenous-led crisis center in East Arnhem Land, combining Yolŋu and Western approaches to address domestic violence. They have become a safe and inspirational place to their people.
Tikesa Hale leads XHale Events, an innovative event management company specialising in Indigenous-focused celebrations and corporate gatherings. With a unique blend of cultural understanding and modern event planning expertise, XHale Events creates memorable experiences by mob for mob, showcasing and honouring Indigenous traditions while meeting contemporary business needs.
Kiril Park Wild Harvest is an Indigenous-owned business cultivating native bush foods, particularly Kakadu Plum, while empowering women through business mentorship and cultural connection to Country. Led by Djerait woman Michelle On, it combines traditional knowledge with wellness principles.
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Indigenous women-led enterprise empowering local harvesters in East Arnhem Land, transforming traditional knowledge into sustainable business opportunities while preserving cultural practices through bush product harvesting.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our Business Builder program and how it works.
Who is eligible to apply?
Our incubation program is open to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-led enterprise across Northern Australia. This includes the whole Northern Territory, northern WA and northern QLD. If you are based outside of these areas, please email us to discuss whether we are able to assist.
How much does it cost?
The Business Builder Program is free for enterprises.
We are funded by partners who enable us to give you the highest quality support to develop your enterprise and achieve your dreams for the business.
How long does the program go for?
The program kicks off in March each year, and ends in October, where you join our Alumni and continue to stay connected with our team.
Do you work with businesses of all types?
We work with businesses from all industries. We have an extensive network of experts and entrepreneurs across industries so that we can provide the best support and advice for your business.
Can I apply if I am part of an Aboriginal Corporation?
Yes, we accept applications from Aboriginal Corporations, and also from enterprise concepts that are within Aboriginal Corporations. What is most important is that you have the time to focus on building your business.
Can I apply if I don’t have a registered business?
Yes, but you might be suited for other earlier stage support we have on offer. Get in touch to find out more.
How does the program work? How will we work together?
We offer flexible delivery through multiple trips—either our team travels to your location, or we support you to visit us.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you!