Today we launch the Small Business Development Corporation’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – an important step in the SBDC’s reconciliation journey as well as a significant milestone for our organisation.
Our work supporting and enabling small businesses extends right across Western Australia, from Esperance and the Great Southern to the West and East Kimberley and every community in between. With that reach comes a responsibility to recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' enduring connection to Country - its land, waterways and skies.
Our Reflect RAP sets out how we are committed to building genuine, collaborative relationships and deepen our understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, communities, stories and connections.
As WA’s dedicated small business support agency, our purpose is to serve. That means ensuring our advice and services are accessible, culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of First Nations small business owners as they start, grow and strengthen their businesses.
We also recognise the importance of economic self-determination for Aboriginal Australians, and seek to support that by giving them the best chance to succeed through the pathway of small business ownership.
Living the Dream
At the heart of the SBDC Reflect RAP is Living the Dream, an artwork commissioned by the SBDC from respected Noongar artist Yondee Shane Hansen. The work explores how ideas can become viable business opportunities through collaboration, cultural connection and progress.
It also reflects the practical role the SBDC can play in helping turn a business idea into action. Representing the 14 Noongar Nations, the painting highlights the importance of inclusive community dialogue in advancing reconciliation and entrepreneurship.
I encourage you to view this interview with Mr Hansen and our Senior Policy Officer Nikki Wilson about the creation of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and the Living the Dream artwork,. and Yondee’s own journey as a self-employed artist.
Turning commitment into action
I am very proud of this important step in outlining our commitment to supporting Aboriginal Business Owners in Western Australia, and want to thank our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Reconciliation Australia, and everyone who contributed to developing our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Importantly, I want to highlight that this is not a dusty document designed to sit on a shelf. This plan is about taking action: participating in events such as NAIDOC Week, improving supplier diversity, creating more opportunities for our people to build their cultural knowledge and understanding, and engaging with First Nations stakeholders to listen with respect about how we can facilitate a pathway to small business success for Aboriginal Western Australian business owners.
I warmly invite you to read our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
Saj Abdoolakhan
Small Business Commissioner
