The Into Business workshop run by Indigenous Business Australia was the first of a series of three designed to help people to create a viable enterprise.

The success of the workshops and extra services provided by IBA resulted in 91 per cent of indigenous businesses surviving for the first 12 months.

This was better than the general business survival rates across Australia.

“This first workshop was to discuss business ideas with participants,” workshop co-ordinator Stephen Roberts said.

“The second workshop will look at targeting a market for their business and the third will explore financial issues,” Mr Roberts said.

“The first workshop was the initial step in helping indigenous people to get into business and assessing if their projects are commercially viable.

“IBA will provide mentors who work with clients for up to 12 months, making sure they have their businesses properly in place.”

NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce chairwoman Debbie Barwick said the keys to a successful business lay in clients preparing a business plan and using the services of mentors to help them.

“These are very worthwhile programs which stop people getting into a business they may not have thought through and the support of mentors in the early stages of their business is critical,” Ms Barwick said.

Malissa Fishburn from Rutherford plans to set up a one-stop shop for mums and children involving children’s entertainment and party planning.

“Being a mum, I know what other mothers are looking for,” Ms Fishburn said.

“But attending this workshop has been a very positive experience for me. It has been a big confidence booster too.”