Participants of NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator program showcase their achievements

Participants of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator program – delivered by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) – met last week on Larrakia Country to present at their final showcase and celebrate their achievements.

The specialist business program was delivered to support Aboriginal entrepreneurs to create and grow strong and sustainable tourism businesses. The program was open to Aboriginal Territorians and NT based Aboriginal businesses and organisations (greater than 50% Aboriginal owned).

The showcase of the eight participants marked the end of the six-month program aimed at expanding the opportunities for the Territory’s Aboriginal businesses to share culture and country with the rest of the world.

IBA’s commitment to the Northern Territory also follows their new office opening in Darwin late last year which was officially opened by NT Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy.

“This transformative journey has been nothing short of remarkable,” shared Southern Arrernte woman Stella de Cos, Director, Community & Customer Experience, IBA adding “the program has empowered our Aboriginal entrepreneurs and allowed them to develop their business ideas and skills.

“We’re immensely proud of our participants, and the great strides they’ve made in the development of their businesses or business ideas, they have each brought their deep cultural responsibility and connection and infused them into their business models. We are excited to see how they develop over the coming year.”

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden noted “we’re pleased to have partnered with Indigenous Business Australia who have an excellent track record in delivering successful accelerator programs, and promoting genuine Aboriginal cultural experiences in tourism; we look forward to seeing new and innovative business ideas for the Territory come from the program.”

The entrepreneurs undertook a transformative journey where they immersed themselves in a wealth of knowledge and experiences facilitated by a curated team of business experts and guests.

During their journey, the program participants joined a cross state cultural immersion in Queensland, meeting with QLD Aboriginal tourism operators, exploring and immersing themselves in tourism experiences in both North Queensland (Cairns and Mossman) and Southeast Queensland (Minjerribah Island). These vibrant regions provided fertile ground for learning, connection, and inspiration.

Zoe Fitzpatrick, Yanyuwa Garrwa woman was one of the program participants and advised on her experience “I am doing this accelerator with my family to start a tourism business on country in Borroloola to generate inter-generational wealth, so our people and culture don’t just survive but we thrive.

“Our business model isn’t just about establishing a tourism enterprise on country, it is also about educating Australia’s future leaders and improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“We know people want to learn from us and we can see potential to help educate our future teachers, lawyers and decision makers on Aboriginal culture while showcasing our breathtaking Northern Territory.”

Between the in-person learning block sessions, the entrepreneurs undertook intensive one-on-one business coaching. This personalised guidance has equipped them with the tools and strategies needed to propel their ventures forward. But the coaching doesn’t end at the showcase. The graduates are now well-equipped to move onto the next stage of their business, and for the next three months, will receive ongoing coaching, ensuring sustained growth and impact.

“The IBA program provided me with invaluable insights into business planning and development, equipping me with the tools to turn my vision into reality,” added Arian Pearson of Bawaka Yolngu Fishing Tours.

 “Through the course, I learned my business strategies, honed my operational plans, and built a solid foundation for offering authentic fishing experiences in the rich cultural landscape of Bawaka. This education not only enhanced my business knowledge but also deepened my commitment to my family and cultural values and has given me hopes for my future career in fishing and tourism.

''My experience has given me insight into my future career. It has given me confidence in one day owning and operating my own fishing guided business in the near future.''

Image. NT Aboriginal Tourism Accelerator Showcase  2024 Credit: IBA