Indigenous Business Development (IBD) is committed to increasing the participation of Indigenous individuals and communities in Queensland's economy.

What is IBD about?

IBD has funding assistance for eligible Indigenous businesses and organisations to support an increase in the participation of Indigenous people in the economy. This support can be provided through the IBD grants scheme for activities that:

• build business knowledge, skills and abilities in Indigenous communities and individuals
• help identify and develop business and employment projects for individuals and communities
• support partnerships and joint ventures between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses.

The IBD grant scheme encompasses two categories - Indigenous Business Capacity Building and Indigenous Business Establishment.

Are you eligible?

The following groups may apply to IBD for assistance:

• Incorporated Indigenous organisations and groups
• Indigenous companies
• Indigenous community councils or local government councils representing the interests of Indigenous communities
• any of the above in a joint venture arrangement with non-Indigenous partners
• Indigenous partnerships and sole traders.

Indigenous Enterprise Development Officers

Indigenous Enterprise Development Officers (IEDOs) are employed by the department's regional centres in Cairns, Townsville, Mt Isa, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, Ipswich and Caboolture to support and provide expertise in the delivery of services and products to Indigenous clients.

Partnerships Queensland

Partnerships Queensland: Future directions framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy in Queensland 2005-10 is the Government's strategic policy framework which brings together all existing Queensland Government initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders. Partnerships Queensland will guide all future Queensland Government policies and services affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Backing Indigenous arts

Arts Queensland is helping to build a strong arts and cultural sector which enriches the lives of all Queenslanders. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists feature prominently in the arts and cultural sectors. This is why the Queensland Government has developed Backing Indigenous Arts. The four-year program (2007-2010) will invest $10.73 million into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry. Backing Indigenous Arts will tap into all art forms and encourage artists to tell their own stories with traditional techniques and new technologies.

Reconciliation Business Forum 2009

Date: Thursday 9 July 2009

Time: 9.40am - 5.00pm

Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

For more information please view the invitation and forum outline. For invitation and other enquiries, please ring the Indigenous Business Development team on 07 3224 6099 or 1300 363711 or by email Jenny.Brome@dtrdi.qld.gov.au