Employment, Enterprise & Economic Development

At First Nation Services, we are committed to creating real opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve economic independence, purpose, and long-term stability.

Through our Employment, Enterprise, and Economic Development programs, we support individuals, communities, and organisations to build pathways that are culturally safe, community-led, and grounded in practical outcomes.

Whether you're just starting your business or ready to take it to the next level, our culturally tailored business coaching provides the tools, advice, and confidence you need to succeed.

We support:

• Start-ups and side hustles
   
• Home-based and creative businesses
   
• Community-led enterprises
   
• Indigenous entrepreneurs seeking mentorship
   

We offer interactive workshops that break down financial concepts in a culturally relevant, easy-to-understand way.

Topics include:

• Budgeting and saving
   
• Managing debt
   
• Accessing grants and funding
   
• Building generational wealth
   

We support job seekers of all ages and skill levels with structured pathways into work. Whether it’s full-time employment, training, or returning to work after time away, our programs meet people where they’re at.

Key areas:

• Work readiness programs
   
• Career goal setting
   
• Employer partnerships
   
• Mentoring and coaching
   

We provide one-on-one support and group workshops to help job seekers feel confident, prepared, and proud to present themselves professionally.

We help with:

• Resume and cover letter writing
   
• Interview practice and confidence building
   
• Job search support
   
• Culturally safe career coaching
   

We work with both Indigenous SMEs and non-Indigenous organisations to strengthen supplier diversity and support sustainable First Nations business growth.

We offer:

• Mentoring for Indigenous-owned businesses
   
• Capability building for procurement readiness
   
• Support for corporates to engage Indigenous suppliers meaningful

We help communities develop, launch and grow sustainable social enterprises that create jobs and meet local needs.

Examples include:

• Community-owned cafés and catering services
   
• Cultural tourism ventures
   
• Bush food or land care initiatives
   
• Creative and arts-based enterprises

• First Nations individuals looking to enter the workforce or start a business
   
• Community-controlled organisations
   
• Local employers and industry partners
   
• Government and corporate procurement teams
   
• Regional and remote communities seeking economic self-determination

Economic empowerment leads to stronger families, safer communities, and better health and wellbeing outcomes. By investing in our people and our enterprises, we’re building intergenerational change — grounded in culture, connection, and capability.