Queensland based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in owning and operating their own small business are being encouraged to participate in a new Queensland Government backed franchise pilot initiative.
The landmark project seeks to create a pathway for suitably qualified Indigenous persons to transition to small business ownership via the franchise sector. The ‘Franchise Model Evaluation and Pilot Program for Advancing Indigenous Business Initiative’ project is being undertaken by The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) Business School in conjunction with FranchiseED.
Professor Lorelle Frazer, Dean and Head of the USC Business School, said the two-year program aims to evaluate the scope for utilising the franchise sector as a career pathway strategy for Indigenous people to move into business ownership.
“The Queensland Government is funding this important new program as part of its commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into small business ownership,” Professor Frazer said.
“Transitioning to small business ownership can assist financial independence and security, and provide wider economic and social flow-on benefits to local communities.”
Australia’s franchise sector employs a total of 472,000 people across 79,000 business units and 1,120 franchise brands and generates $146 billion a year in total sales revenue, according to the latest Franchising Australia survey in 2016.
Kerry Miles, Director of FranchiseED said, “As the first stage of the project, we are actively seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified and motivated Indigenous people to be involved, with a minimum of four potential franchisees from throughout the state to be placed and mentored within an existing franchise system”. See more information on the project here.
A free webinar which is being hosted by the South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce is taking place on Wednesday 17 October 2018. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/is-franchising-for-you-tickets-50845453119
For more information contact Kerry Miles on kerry@franchise-ed.org.au