Local company Coolamon Advisors, under the direction of Katrina Fanning, former ACT Australian of the Year, will run ACT Government support programs for ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

“A strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector is vital in our aspiration for self- determination and economic independence,” Ms Fanning said. “Whether a business is just starting out or looking to grow, we will provide support, information, and opportunities tailored around their business aspirations.”

Ms Fanning, a former rugby league player, was the 2020 ACT Australian of the Year. She has chaired the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, and is a board member of the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council, the Women’s Legal Centre, the Canberra Raiders. She is a member of the National Co-Design Group tasked with developing options and models for a national Indigenous voice.

• “Self-determination in action”: ACT government backs Indigenous solutions (February 2021)
• Katrina Fanning: My favourite things (January 2020)

Coolamon Advisors are an ACT majority-owned and managed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander company, and have a wealth of lived and learned experience to share with First Nations businesses. They were selected following an open tender process earlier this year.

Under the program, Coolamon Advisors will deliver:

• a concierge service to connect businesses with a range of service providers
• mentoring and coaching services
• access to accelerator programs for businesses looking to grow

Coolamon is now seeking Expressions of Interest from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses who would benefit from these services. They can be contacted via their website coolamonadvisors.com.au or call 6189 0770.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr congratulated Coolamon Advisors. “Coolamon will deliver a range of culturally appropriate services to help ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to develop and grow,” he said.

“The ACT Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and businesses to access opportunities and succeed through this tailored support program.”