“Our indigenous business leaders are incredible warriors” said Associate Professor Michelle Evans, the director of the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Leadership, “In that land of lots of commercial reality of trying to make a profit and trying to dive something that’s really, has a cultural and community purpose.”
A First Nations led Regional Business Workshop Series was held in Mparntwe Alice Springs on 11-13 October, led by the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership in consultation with the local Indigenous business community.
Associate Professor Michelle Evans said the Alice Springs event is the first in a series of events to enhance access to business education for regional areas.
“The best way to improve Indigenous economic inclusion is to offer access to business education, regardless of where people are located,” Associate Professor Evans said.
“It’s always been our goal, within Dilin Duwa, to create opportunities for our sector to gather, learn and share. We know that enhancing education and knowledge is what fosters
growth for our sector and what better region to kick off our regional events than Alice Springs – the heart of our country, with a diverse and growing Indigenous economy.”
Supported by Indigenous Business Australia, the 3-day program was co-designed with local Indigenous businesses and leaders in the region to respond to the regions business needs, including mini-masterclasses, business sessions, panels, and local keynote speakers.
Local Mparntwe Sole Trader, Catherine Satour, welcomed the event, encouraging businesses and community organisations to come together.
“No matter where you are in your business journey, from our remote enterprises to urban businesses, this is an opportunity to share learnings, expand our thinking and business networks, relationships and enhance the economic empowerment of our own people in our region,” said Ms Satour.