By PETER ROWE
Federal Greens Senator Dorinda Cox hailed the opening of the Aboriginal Centre of Excellence in Perth a major step forward for Indigenous businesses on Thursday.
Senator Cox, a proud voice for First Nations people said it was time Indigenous business was seen and treated as a powerful force for good.
“Indigenous business has so much to offer and at last we are getting recognised,” she said.
Mining magnate and philanthropist Andrew Forrest attended the launch of ACE.
Among invited businesses at the event was mining magnate Andrew Forrest from Fortescue Metals Group, who, through his Minderoo Foundation, purchased the whole centres bespoke Indigenous artworks created by Carol Martin and then donated them back to the ACE collection “as this is where the paintings belong”. Proceeds of the sale have gone back to the artist.
Indigenous Emerging Business Forum Aboriginal Forum (IEBF) Chief executive John O’Driscoll told invited Federal and State politicians, Indigenous businesses and local elders the centre was the only 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned business and retail centre in Perth, representing a “major step towards economic empowerment within the WA Indigenous community”.
”The establishment of ACE represents a significant milestone in advancing IEBF’s mission to foster the growth and prosperity of Indigenous-owned and operated businesses, Mr O’Driscoll said.
“Western Australia is home to a diverse range of Indigenous enterprises, and we are excited about enhancing our support to further empower our members in their journey towards success.”
IEBF Chief Executive John O’Driscoll, right, told guests the Aboriginal Centre of Excellence was 100 per cent Indigenous owned.
The centre, in Perth’s CBD, offers a range of free services exclusively for Aboriginal businesses that are IEBF members.
ACE will offer a range of services, including Corporate and Mailing services, Corporate boardroom facilities, Aboriginal business certification, Business incubation and start-up support and Business growth and capital requirements assistance.
International business support is also a key element as growing Indigenous businesses dip their toes into trade opportunities in south-east Asia.
Other services include Business sourcing, marketing and communications support, joint venture, merger, and acquisition advice, import, export, and foreign investment guidance, governance, risk management, and compliance services as well as legal services.
Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest with members of the IEBF board at the launch of ACE in Perth.
Senator Cox with family members at the launch of ACE.
