Worthwhile Ventures is an Aboriginal-controlled non for profit organisation that partners with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and individuals in their drive for economic development and sustainability. Entrepreneurs and business owners are supported to build a strong and vibrant First Nation business sector for their families and communities.
Through the provision of free business advice, mentoring, tailored financial support and customised education entrepreneurs and business owners are empowered to achieve their objectives. Together we aim to create a sustainable Business Community whose members contribute to and benefit from successful First Nation enterprise.
Business Advice
Access to Funding
Business Education
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Worthwhile Ventures has adopted an approach to assisting Aboriginal Entrepreneurs that is compatible with the Aboriginal approach to life.
- You set the pace.
- You are in control of what support you receive and from whom.
- The approach taken will vary from business to business and be tailored to your needs.
- Typically, we will assemble a small team of mentors, embodying the skills needed by your business.
- Assistance may take the form of a quick phone call through to a defined programme of work and will last as long as needed.
- We only advise, never direct.
- We never judge. If you fall over, we will be there to pick you up.
- While a commercially viable business proposition is critical, WV also places great value on social impact when deciding if we can assist an enterprise.
- Reciprocity is key and business owners are expected to give back to the Worthwhile Ventures Business Community in some form.
- If we don’t think we can help you, we will do our best to find someone who can.
OUR COMMUNITY OF FIRST NATION BUSINESSES
OUR BOARD
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT WORTHWHILE VENTURES?
Worthwhile Ventures relies on the generosity of its donors and volunteer advisors/supporters to develop and grow as an effective organisation that can have impact.
BECOME AN ADVISOR/MENTOR
As a Worthwhile Ventures advisor/mentor you will join the Worthwhile Ventures Business Community (WVBC) to grow and support participating Aboriginal enterprises.
Support is provided on a pro bono basis to the enterprises and the position of advisor/mentor is a voluntary one. An advisor/mentor will be matched with an enterprise to provide input in a range of areas relating to the management and operation of the company. Members of the WVBC are expected to gain a deep understanding of the enterprise's background and situation and draw on their experience to provide guidance.
This could then lead to development of a business strategy, budgets and operational plans; implementation of the plans would then be reviewed by the coach and business owner on a regular basis. Depending on need, help in business areas (e.g. accounting, marketing, HR) could be provided by specialists. Advisors/mentors will therefore need to have significant experience and skills. They are also expected to be open and able to share their personal journeys in engagement with Indigenous culture and practice; Worthwhile Ventures will support new WVBC members through an on-boarding program to ensure their cultural readiness and that respectful and successful relationships are forged.
DONATING
Worthwhile Ventures is a proud Aboriginal majority owned and operated non-profit organisation. Our sustainability is dependent on genuine relationships based on the cultural value of 'giving back' to country. This means, we are seeking meaningful donor relationships that serve a trusted commitment in achieving measurable social and economical outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
We invite individuals or corporations who wish to be a part off this unique approach to contact us and we will share more about our model. Donations are tax deductible.