The Federal Government has announced that it will trial four Community Development Programme (CDP) Business Incubators that will help remote jobseekers turn CDP activities into small businesses.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion announced the first CDP Business Incubator provider would be the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA). The Government is investing an initial $500,000 for ALPA to establish the first CDP Business Incubators in the Northern Territory communities of Ramingining and Galiwin’ku.
ALPA will provide business support to CDP participants to help turn CDP activities into sustainable businesses. The CDP Business Incubators will provide business coaching and mentoring, back-end administrative services, workspaces, assistance with product development and links to capital sources.
“Indigenous Australians in remote communities are some of the most entrepreneurial people in the country, but unfortunately geography prevents many from accessing commercial finance or the business support necessary for any successful business venture,” Minister Scullion said.
“These CDP business incubators are will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers in remote communities access to tailored support to build their skills, as well as provide access to business networks and capital to start small businesses.”
Implementation of the CDP reforms will commence from February 2019 and will focus on greater community control, better connections, and greater choice for CDP participants. For more information about the CDP reforms visit pmc.gov.au/cdp.