Incubation Program
Our incubation program supports remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs who are looking to grow or evolve their existing businesses and expand their networks and skills.
How do we support Program Participants?
Read the story of our partnership with Yirralka Miyalk Yolŋu Mirritjin
In North East Arnhem Land, the Yirralka Rangers program delivers environmental management across 30 homeland communities, working under the Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation.
The ranger program employs more than 40 Yolŋu rangers in both Dirramu (men) and Miyalk (women) groups.
In 2011, the Miyalk rangers launched a bush products brand, using traditional Yolŋu knowledge of their medicine and treatments and local native plants.
This is a business with a rich cultural history – all of the plants used in the bush products are documented in Yolŋu stories and longlines, with many of special importance to the Miyalk rangers and their families.
After 10 years in business, they have a new vision to expand the product range with other native botanicals and to also offer healing services through a purpose-build healing centre. We have also been through a business rename, from Yirralka Miyalk Bush Products to Yirralka Miyalk Yolŋu Mirritjin.
Enterprise Learning Project sat down with Yirralka Miyalk Yolŋu Mirritjin and through listening to the story of their business and their hopes for the future of the business we worked with them to create some goals so they can see their business flourish in the direction they want it to.
ELP is working with Yirralka Miyalk Yolŋu Mirritjin by:
Supporting the business through the rename and rebranding
Creating and building out their own Shopify Store, with extra support from Empowered Digital
Facilitaing budgeting and financial modelling workshops to ensure YMYM have comprehensive understanding of their financial structure and planning.
Facilitating HR and Governance workshops so they can gain clarity on what their governance structure means for their future business goals, and understand their community impact through investigating their impact goals, roles and responsibilities.
“I am a Yolŋu doctor – helping communities, helping families and passing knowledge for the young ones.
-Gurrundul Marika
Read more about our Incubation Enterprises here:
IMPORTANT DATES
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Applications for the Incubation Program will close on June 30.
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From 1 July through 31 July, ELP will asses all applications. Based on the initial assessment, ELP will conduct phone interviews before notifying all successful candidates by 31 July.
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ELP will organise to visit you on-country, wherever that may be in the Northern Territory.
The purpose of our visit with you:
Get to know you and your business a bit better.
Work with you to set goals for your business.
Identify areas you and your business may need further support, for example: making plans with people in our network to support you with specific expertise such as website development or financial modelling.
Create Program Plan
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In this stage of the program we work closely with the program participants to finalise their Tailored Program Plan.
This plan includes:
Participants Goals
Timelines for support
Facilitators who will provide support
Proposed outcomes by end of program
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The program particicipants are now ready and able to engage in support from the ELP team and facilitators regarding their chosen goals for the program.
This support might include:
On Country visits to work through business concepts and decisions
Remote support to advise and mentor through a new approach in business
Industry connections to overcome unique challenges
Workshops
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In the final month of the Incubation Program, participants will be invited to:
Attend a celebration with all program participants
Join the program Alumni to receive on-going support from ELP and its network
Evaluate the program and reflect on their achievements
Application: Incubation Program
You can apply by emailing us at hello@elp.org.au or by filling in the form below.
Our application form is also available to download HERE.
Have questions or would like help with your application?
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
Our incubation program is open to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-led enterprise across Northern Australia. This includes the whole Northern Territory, northern WA and northern QLD. If you are based outside of these areas, please email us to discuss whether we are able to assist.
Do you work with businesses of all types?
We work with businesses from all industries. We have an extensive network of experts and entrepreneurs across industries so that we can provide the best support and advice for your business.
How does the program work? How will we work together?
After you submit an application one of our team members will be in touch to discuss further.
Our incubation program will include phone, email and in-person support throughout the year, including multiple trips where we will come to you. Together, we will make a plan for the type of support that works best for you and your business.
How much does it cost?
Both are incubation and mentorship programs are free for enterprises.
We are funded by partners who enable us to give you the highest quality support to develop your enterprise and achieve your dreams for the business.
Can I apply if I am part of an Aboriginal Corporation?
Yes, we accept applications from Aboriginal Corporations, and also from enterprise concepts that are within Aboriginal Corporations. What is most important is that you have the time to focus on building your business.
How long does the program go for?
Our incubation program includes at least 12 months of support.
Together, we will assess whether your enterprise needs further support after the first year.
Can I apply if I don’t have a registered business?
Yes, however you will be best suited to apply for our mentorship program first. It includes at least six months of free business support and is the best starting point to get your business off the ground.
Our mentoring program is a great lead-in to our incubation program.