| Project Detail |
The Growing Indigenous Business Through Trade initiative seeks to respond to the priorities of Ministers responsible for Small and Medium Enterprises to create “pathways to growth for MSMEs, including empowering MSMEs in regional and global markets through access to global value chains and through digital tools and technologies, which expand opportunities for MSMEs owned or led by individuals with untapped economic potential, such as women, Indigenous Peoples as appropriate, persons with disabilities, and those from remote and rural communities”. This project seeks to create awareness and build the capacity of Indigenous entrepreneurs to engage and realise the benefits from international trade, including through global value chains or direct exports. Growing Indigenous Business Through Trade Phases I and II, delivered through the SMEWG, demonstrated the merits of such efforts (including enhancing brands, reaching new customers, and protecting intellectual property). They generated interest in locally run export-ready courses. Being export-ready means having knowledge of the fundamental concepts and practices of doing business across borders.
In Growing Indigenous Business through Trade Phase III, participants will undertake an export-ready self-assessment prior to commencing training. This phase will follow a ‘train-the-trainer’ approach to ensure the benefits of the project extend beyond immediate workshop participants. Some of these potential participants will be assisted in delivering subsequent local export-ready courses for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs within their communities. Phase III will involve in-person sessions in Chile; Mexico; Papua New Guinea; Peru and the Philippines, with the participation of Indigenous business leaders from Australia. In addition, online mentoring, an information portal, and connections with previous participants will be important components of the project. |
