Indigenous Small Business Fund
Who is eligible for the funding? : ISBF at a glance : Who is eligible for funding? : What is the funding used for? : How to apply for ISBF : Further information : Other links
The Indigenous Small Business Fund (ISBF) offers funding to Indigenous community-based organisations to assist Indigenous people learn about business, develop good business skills and expand their businesses.
ISBF at a glance
- provides funds to develop businesses owned and run by incorporated Indigenous organisations
- funding can be used for identifying, developing and supporting businesses as well as expanding markets, and training staff.
Who is eligible for the funding?
Incorporated Indigenous community-based organisations
Incorporated Indigenous community-based organisations that return profits to the community are eligible to apply. Organisations may be incorporated under the Australian Government Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976 or other business incorporation arrangements.
Indigenous Individuals
Indigenous individuals seeking business finance and venture capital will need to approach either:
- Commercial lending agencies
- IBA’s Business Development Programme (BDP) - BDP assists Indigenous people to acquire, establish and develop commercially viable enterprises
- Indigenous Capital Assistance Scheme (ICAS) - aims to increase employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians by giving access to culturally appropriate commercial finance through Westpac and subsiding professional/mentoring support services.
What is the funding used for?
The ISBF provides funds for projects that help create Indigenous business opportunities and provide jobs for Indigenous people. This can include projects related to stand-alone businesses or franchises. The projects may involve one or more of the following:
- getting a mentor, business manager or consultant to assist in how to start, manage and run a business
- providing training in business and governance
- developing a business plan or feasibility plan
- looking for and developing business opportunities
- getting assistance for marketing and promotion
- developing your product or service
Funding for organisations is available through the Department of education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) up to $110,000 (GST inclusive) for business development projects. Funding will generally be for up to 12 months and a contribution will be expected from the organisation for projects exceeding $33,000 (GST inclusive).
How to apply for ISBF
Links to ISBF Guidelines and Application Form – use the links below and follow instructions in the ISBF guidelines.
Applications can be submitted at any time via post or fax. Refer to the ISBF Guidelines for submission details.
Further information
If your organisation does not have a computer or you need help to complete the Application, or you just want to find out more about ISBF, call the Indigenous Employment Hotline on 1802 102.
Download the ISBF fact sheet (PDF 417 KB)
Other links
- Business.gov.au offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, transactions and services you need. It's a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and running your business.
- Visit GrantsLink to see the wide range of grants/programmes available from 15 Federal Government agencies.