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Starting an Indigenous business
Before you start
Before you start, it's a good idea to look at our Guide to starting a business. This will help you understand what's involved in starting a business and what lies ahead.
Choose your business structure
One of the first steps you need to take when starting out is choosing your business structure. Your business structure identifies how you operate as a trading business.
Learn more about the different business structures and how to choose the right one for your business.
Indigenous corporation
If you're a First Nations person and you want to start a company as an Indigenous corporation, you can do this through the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. Indigenous corporations are eligible for additional benefits.
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Learn more about Indigenous corporations.
Indigenous corporation -
Read how to register your business as an Indigenous corporation.
Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
Find support for your Indigenous business
We understand that starting a business can be difficult. However, there is support available for First Nations business owners.
Grants and support
Use our finder tools to search for the latest grants and programs, business advisers and events.
National support and help
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) is a government organisation that provides workshops, advice, business support programmes. In some cases they may also provide business finance to eligible Indigenous business owners.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides tax and super information to help First Nations people succeed in their business.
Local support and help
Other assistance may be available depending on the type or location of your business. Have a look at the following local business directories and programs:
- New South Wales – Information and support from the NSW Government
- Northern Territory – Aboriginal Business Development Program
- Queensland – Indigenous leadership and networking
- Victoria – Victorian Aboriginal Business Directory
- Western Australia – Aboriginal Business Directory WA.
Tax and super support
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has information to help you with your business tax and super, including the types of deductions and tax concessions you may be able to claim.
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Lean more about tax and super support.
Australian Taxation Office
Register your business on Supply Nation
Registering your business with Supply Nation will list your business on Australia’s largest national directory, Indigenous Business Direct. This will let companies, government agencies and not-for-profit businesses find and connect with your business.
Registering is free and takes about 15 minutes.