Key information
- Status: Not open for application
- Grant amount: From $100,000 to $250,000
Program objective
This grant round has now closed.
The purpose and key objectives of the Program are to:
- support Aboriginal businesses and organisations in regional NSW to expand and reach their potential
- empower Aboriginal businesses and organisations to identify and deliver commercial opportunities that will help to secure a path towards economic self-determination
- support Aboriginal organisations to unlock land and cultural assets that have the potential to create employment opportunities for Aboriginal people
- enable Aboriginal businesses and organisations to deliver projects that support improved economic and employment outcomes.
The objectives of the Program are aligned with the Regional Development Trust’s Key Focus Area of supporting Aboriginal economic development and enterprise and aims to contribute towards a positive impact on the NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5 - Employment, Business Growth and Economic Prosperity.
Please read the Program Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions. Applicants can also review a sample funding deed.
This program is administered by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Grant recipients
Recipients for this program were selected to meet the program objectives.
Eligible recipients were invited to participate and were required to meet the objectives.
What was approved
Approved for Aralumbin Pty Ltd
Bush to You' is a project which aims to bring the culture of Bush Tucker and Native foods to everyday Australians' plates in a sustainable and authentic way. A source of nutrition, health, culture and connection from propagation to consumption, provides vital influence from employee to consumer.
$249,249 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
February 2025Location of the recipient
Tweed Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
17
Applications received
32
Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program
Program term
Projects must be completed within 18 months from the date a funding deed has been executed.What was approved
Approved for Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council
Winjirra Events will host a range of on Country experiences enabling a solid economic basis for business growth and providing employment pathways and social support for the broader Aboriginal population across Newcastle.
$248,459 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
February 2025Location of the project
Lake Macquarie City CouncilLocation of the recipient
Newcastle City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
17
Applications received
32
Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program
Program term
Projects must be completed within 18 months from the date a funding deed has been executed.What was approved
Approved for Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council
The project promotes skill development and job growth across three employment sectors with a focus on circularity. It integrates new business activities with existing operations, completing the cycle by using native ingredients at every stage - from storytelling and seed gathering to plant cultivation and food production - eventually replenishing the soil.
$231,304 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
February 2025Location of the recipient
Bega Valley Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
17
Applications received
32
Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program
Program term
Projects must be completed within 18 months from the date a funding deed has been executed.What was approved
Approved for Booma Food Group Pty Ltd
Booma Food Group is an Indigenous food producer looking to sustainably grow and distribute fresh produce and vegetation. The Booma Food Biz Growth initiative will incorporate suitable equipment into its operations to enhance speed, safety, productivity and efficiencies to reliably meet its clients' required order volumes.
$249,661 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
February 2025Location of the recipient
Cessnock City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
17
Applications received
32
Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program
Program term
Projects must be completed within 18 months from the date a funding deed has been executed.What was approved
Approved for Gadhungal Marring
Gadhungal Marring will establish a native nursery under the mentorship of an Indigenous social enterprise. This includes site improvements to Indigenous land and employment opportunities.
$119,740 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
February 2025Location of the recipient
Shoalhaven City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
17
Applications received
32
Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program
Program term
Projects must be completed within 18 months from the date a funding deed has been executed.Support and contact
To submit an application under this program, applicants must receive an invitation to apply from a member of the Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes team within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. For more information and to be referred to your local Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes representative, please contact regionaldevelopmentroadmap@regional.nsw.gov.au.