Incubation Program
Are you a First Nations entrepreneur looking to grow your existing business?
Join our Incubation Program with Enterprise Learning Projects (ELP), open to Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Northern Territory.
In our 12 month Incubation Program, Enterprise Learning Projects (ELP) will walk with you on your entrepreneurial journey. We would support you as an individual and enable you to grow your business.
Throughout the Incubation Program, we will provide you with support that incorporates important business skills and tools to help move your business forward.
Our Incubation Program will emphasise on-Country learning time to enable you to develop your chosen business areas, and allow time for reflection and consideration with your peers. This is a core offering of our support, as we acknowledge that time away from your business is precious.
You will work on what is important to you.
Our program includes lots of interactive activities to support your growth. You'll participate in online group sessions where you can learn and collaborate with peers. Personalised coaching will be available to address your specific needs and goals. You'll also have access to mentorship and in-person meet ups. All your travel costs will be fully covered, ensuring you can focus on participating in the program without worrying about any additional expenses. This includes transportation, accommodation, and any other related costs.
We empower remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs to transform their communities through enterprise. Our program is built upon four key principles to achieve this.
Two-way of learning
We respect the knowledge and wisdom from both worlds and know that we have as much to learn as we have to teach. We understand that learning new things can take time. We will also listen to you to understand your world and your business, so that we can help you achieve your goals rather than making assumptions about your business.
Tailored to you
You are on a Program with other people, but your experience will be based on what you need for your business. This means:
We will develop a plan with you based on your personal and business goals and the skills you want to develop
We will decide together whether we will deliver workshops where you are, or support you to travel to us
We will identify Facilitators from our network who are the best fit for you, based on their cultural, community, industry or business backgrounds.
Relationships First
We prioritise building a strong relationship with you and your team. We want to understand why you are doing this business, and what are your dreams for the future before jumping headfirst into the program.
Network rich
We pride ourselves on our ability to connect you with the right people to support you. We know that being a successful Entrepreneur involves having a network that can empower you to keep growing. On this program, we will introduce you to other people along the way.
What to expect
Assessment
We have several conversations to learn about you, your community and your business to understand what support you are looking for. Before we bring you on to our Program we consider what expertise and networks we can offer, how we can support you and if we are the right program for you and your business.
Vision (Goals)
Once we get started, we spend time getting to know you and your business. During this time we do a lot of listening and understanding. We will talk to you about your business model, how you create impact in communities, and what you need support on.
Tailoring
Together we will come up with a plan to help you achieve those goals. We will also plan key dates and set milestones together.
Inviting Expertise
This is the time for learning and growth. We will recommend different people to work with you based on your needs. You will work together on-Country, in Darwin, online or over the phone for about six months. The people you work with are a majority-Indigenous team of expert facilitators, hand-picked for their skills and experience in leadership, culture and business coaching.
Connecting
We will host a Leadership Camp together with the other members of your cohort, Alumni and more. The end of this camp is a Ceremony to acknowledge your commitment and effort on the Program. At this event you will hear from inspiring speakers, reflect on your journey, and celebrate your time in the program.
Vision (Reflection)
Together we check back in on your vision. This is a time to reflect on what you have achieved through the program, how you feel about your business compared to where you started, and plan your next steps beyond the program.
Empowered Alumni
Once you complete the program, you become part of our Alumni. We will keep in touch, offer opportunities and recommend your business wherever possible.
“ELP support is good because they use a yolŋu filter, and connect us with experienced facilitators that know how to work with us” - Sylvia Nulpinditj, Incubation Alumni 2023
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications Open Now
Applicants Assessed August - October 2024
Successful Applicants Notified November - December 2024
Program Start January 2025
Leadership Camp and Celebration September 2025
Application: Incubation Program
You can apply by emailing us at hello@elp.org.au or by filling in the form below.
Our application form is also available to download HERE.
Have questions or would like help with your application?
Who is eligible to apply?
Our incubation program is open to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-led enterprise across Northern Australia. This includes the whole Northern Territory, northern WA and northern QLD. If you are based outside of these areas, please email us to discuss whether we are able to assist.
Do you work with businesses of all types?
We work with businesses from all industries. We have an extensive network of experts and entrepreneurs across industries so that we can provide the best support and advice for your business.
How does the program work? How will we work together?
After you submit an application one of our team members will be in touch to discuss further.
Our incubation program will include phone, email and in-person support throughout the year, including multiple trips where we will come to you. Together, we will make a plan for the type of support that works best for you and your business.
How much does it cost?
The incubation program is free for enterprises.
We are funded by partners who enable us to give you the highest quality support to develop your enterprise and achieve your dreams for the business.
Can I apply if I am part of an Aboriginal Corporation?
Yes, we accept applications from Aboriginal Corporations, and also from enterprise concepts that are within Aboriginal Corporations. What is most important is that you have the time to focus on building your business.
How long does the program go for?
Our incubation program includes at least 12 months of support.
Together, we will assess whether your enterprise needs further support after the first year.
Can I apply if I don’t have a registered business?
Yes, however you will be best suited to apply for our mentorship program first. It includes at least six months of free business support and is the best starting point to get your business off the ground.
Our mentoring program is a great lead-in to our incubation program.