- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 30 March 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- First Nations led business development
- Education
Summary
This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA project: AHT.6.2021010 East Kimberley Indigenous Women: Self-Development and Self-Employment Enhancer Circle.
The project was delivered by Kimberley Jiyigas through CRCNA’s education and workforce development program to strengthen Indigenous women’s business capability, confidence and pathways to enterprise development in the East Kimberley. Using a community-led and culturally grounded approach, the project provided business training, financial literacy support and mentoring to support Indigenous women pursuing culturally meaningful livelihoods.
The project contributed to the continued growth of the Maganda Makers network, strengthening business resilience, collaboration and local leadership across the Kimberley. It also demonstrated a more locally embedded and cost-effective alternative to fly-in, fly-out business development models, while improving connections between Indigenous entrepreneurs, financial institutions and support networks.
Expected longer-term impacts include increased Indigenous women’s participation in business and self-employment, growth in locally owned enterprises, stronger financial capability within communities and continued expansion of the Maganda Makers network as a driver of regional enterprise development.
Projects
East Kimberley Indigenous Women – Self-Development and Self-Employment Enhancer Circle (SDSE Enhancer Circle)
This project supported Indigenous women in the East Kimberley to develop the skills, confidence and networks needed to start and grow their own businesses. Delivered by Kimberley Jiyigas through the CRCNA’s Education and Workforce Development Research Program, the Self-Development and Self-Employment (SDSE) Enhancer Circle provided culturally appropriate training in financial literacy, business planning and enterprise development. Twenty women participated in a combination of face-to-face, small group and virtual learning activities, culminating in an on-Country business camp and follow-up conference. The program strengthened participants’ confidence in managing finances, planning for business growth and pursuing self-employment opportunities, while also creating connections with financial institutions and support services. Beyond individual outcomes, the project demonstrated the value of a community-led approach to Indigenous business development. It contributed to the growth of the Maganda Makers network, which now connects around 140 members across the East Kimberley, fostering collaboration, peer support and local economic participation. The project also helped shift business support towards locally led, culturally grounded models that empower women to create meaningful livelihoods on their own terms. The project has laid foundations for ongoing growth in Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship, improved access to business support and finance, and a model that could be replicated in other regions of northern Australia. Welcome to the Kimberley Gida Jilanda (Jaru for ”Good Day”) If you are visiting or working in the Kimberley region, please consider investing in the Kimberley Jiyigas (Birds) online ”Welcome to the Kimberley” Cultural Awareness Digital resource pack, for only $39. This resource will allow you to engage with content that enables more authentic engagement with Kimberley Aboriginal people and culture, that will assist in achieving stronger outcomes. https://welcometothekimberley.com.au/ Walilu (see you later!)