Grants to boost Territory indigenous businesses

A former top Territory footballer has praised a grants program that is opening tourism business opportunities. Read what he said.

Aboriginal tourism operators and organisations have until mid-March 2024 to apply for funding and business development support under the NT government’s Aboriginal Tourism Development Support grant program.

Round two of the program opens on Monday and closes for applications on March 15.

Up to $300,000 in grants from between $10,000 and $30,000 is available to Aboriginal-owned tourism businesses for consultancy services that help with feasibility studies and business planning.

Nicole Manison at the 2023 Royal Darwin Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The incentive scheme helps Aboriginal businesses and individuals engage professional services to assist with feasibility studies and business planning and can also help with access to professional services.

Round one of the program saw 10 Aboriginal businesses receive more than $200,000 in grants.

Tourism Minister Nicole Manison said the grants offered an opportunity to access expert advice on how to build their business.

Nathan Djerrkura during his footy days. Picture: EMMA MURRAY

“Tourism creates well-paying jobs in all regions of the Northern Territory, and we want to ensure that continues and Aboriginal businesses are set up to succeed,” Ms Manison said.

The operator of a business that received funding last year applauded the scheme.

Former AFL player Nathan Djerrkura, director of Wangurri Djerrkura Aboriginal Corporation said the grant allowed them to seek professional support to establish a tourism business at the Buymarr homeland in East Arnhem.

The former Geelong and Wester Bulldogs AFL player said it was significant in the establishment of his upcoming business.

“Through the grant we were able to work with Bowman Advisory to register with ORIC, undertake visioning and planning work as well as land tenure agreements and infrastructure scoping,” he said.

“With this assistance, we feel confident to take the next steps on our business journey and are working to open Buymarr Getaways and our campgrounds to visitors in 2024.”