In response to an overwhelming demand from Indigenous organisations and individuals, Creative Economy developed a national business development program to increase the capacity of Indigenous people to own and manage sustainable enterprises. 

Economic opportunities based on culture give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people their greatest opportunity for sustainable income generation and employment, however, generalised business assistance programs are usually not delivered in regional or remote areas and do not meet the need of Indigenous people who wished to develop enterprise based on their cultural knowledge and talents.  

Creative Economy developed a program that provided participants with access to a team of professionals who are qualified and have real world experience in business and cultural sectors. This provided access to expertise in business including; legal, governance, finance and accounting and most importantly market development, including marketing, distribution and sales.  

The program succeeded with a ‘hands up’ approach, transferring knowledge to increase business capacity with 4,123 Indigenous people. With practical assistance and linkages to creative economy networks in national and international markets, participants went on to generate incomes and operate sustainable enterprises.