Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses may have extra support options available that are specific to First Nations businesses.

Other funding options might be open to anyone, but with First Nations businesses strongly recommended to apply.

Where to find grants and funding

Start by checking Business Victoria and Business.gov.au for available grants. You can use the ‘Indigenous businesses’ filter option to narrow the search results:

• Business Victoria grants and programs
• Business.gov.au grants and programs finder

Melbourne businesses might also be interested in the City of Melbourne’s Aboriginal Community grants program.

Start-up capital for a First Nations business

• Start-Up Finance Package — up to 30% of a new business loan awarded as a grant to purchase assets for your new business.
• Business Loan Package — a loan to help with working capital requirements, purchase of existing businesses, plant and equipment and other commercial assets.

There are more details about the type of finance or support available from IBA for new businesses:

• Starting a business
• Buying a business

Otherwise, sourcing start-up capital is much the same as getting financing for any new business.

Our Sources of finance page explains common options for new businesses, including bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors.

Financing options for existing First Nations businesses

IBA also has financial support options available for existing businesses:

• Business Loan Package — a loan to help existing businesses grow or restructure.
• Invoice finance — to help your business take advantage of new contract or sales opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.

There are more details about support and finance options for existing businesses on the IBA website.

Getting financial guidance

Indigenous helpline and free Tax Help

Contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you have any questions about tax or super. You may also be able to get free Tax Help during tax time.

Find a business adviser

Starting and running a business is a challenging task. You might want to consider talking to a business adviser.

See Aboriginal business networks and support for more options.