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Bringing together aspiring business owners in the Torres Strait

Bringing together aspiring business owners in the Torres Strait

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is connecting aspiring business owners from across the region with local mentors and industry advice to transform their big ideas into business.

Recently, community members and artists learnt about the steps and support available to launch into business as part of TSRA’s You Sabe Business workshops (27-30 September).

Nixon Mye from Erub (Darnley Island) was among those who joined the sessions at the new state-of-the-art Buai Mudh Community Centre on Waiben (Thursday Island).

With experience in education, healthcare and hospitality, he hopes to turn his art hobby into a full-time merchandise business.

“I do a mix of hand drawn and digital art, usually for sports uniforms and tribal shirts,” Mr Mye said.

“People approach me through word of mouth, and I feel proud to see people wear my designs.

“My goal is to gain the knowledge to open and then expand my business,” he said.

Eima Ger attended the TSRA You Sabe Business workshops after noticing a gap in the local job market.

She hopes to start a cleaning business on Saibai as an alternative to fly-in, fly-out contractors.

“As a single mother, I see owning my own business as a way to create financial stability for my family,” she said.

“I came to the workshops with no Business understanding and am already learning a lot from the staff, mentors and other participants.

“I saw the opportunity and I took it. This was my time to “think outside of my box” where I never thought I could go into business, but here I am starting my journey.”

The TSRA You Sabe Business workshops were delivered by facilitator Brendan Bishop with local community mentor Flora Warrior, Lola Digital owner Kantesha Takai and facilitator Cara-Ann Simpson from Flying Arts.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the workshop was held in the lead up to Indigenous Business Month.

“Boosting economic development, business opportunities and local jobs is a focus during Indigenous Business Month and beyond,” Mr Stephen said.

“The TSRA provides year-round support to aspiring and established business owners from start-up to success.”

The TSRA You Sabe business workshops are a three-part series with participants set to graduate at the end of the year.

To learn more about the TSRA You Sabe Business workshops, call our Economic Development team on (07) 4069 0700 or email economic@tsra.gov.au.

Find out more about the TSRA at www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook.

Indigenous Business Month is an annual celebration from 1 – 31 October.

The national theme for Indigenous Business Month 2022 – ACTIONS TODAY, IMPACT TOMORROW – collectively calls upon First Nations business owners and non-Indigenous allies to gather online and in community, to look at how actions today will impact tomorrow.

Learn more about Indigenous Business Month at www.indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au

  • Bringing together aspiring business owners in the Torres Strait
  • Bringing together aspiring business owners in the Torres Strait
  • Bringing together aspiring business owners in the Torres Strait
  • Bringing together aspiring business owners in the Torres Strait