Aboriginal Business Leadership Initiative
Strengthen your leadership. Grow your business.
Kaala Barna is partnering with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission to deliver this program for Aboriginal people in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
About ABLI
The Aboriginal Business Leadership Initiative (ABLI) is a free, culturally safe program specifically designed for Aboriginal business owners and Aboriginal-led organisations across the Goldfields-Esperance region.
ABLI supports enterprise activity in all its forms, from sole-traders and small businesses through to ACCO’s and PBC’s establishing and managing community-based enterprises and income-generating initiatives.
This initiative provides comprehensive development and support to strengthen leadership, capability, operational confidence, and resilience for long-term success. It is designed with a flexible and tailored approach ensuring participants get support that suits their needs best.
By Aboriginal people,
for Aboriginal people
Elements of ABLI
Workshops & Training
Focused sessions to strengthen planning, improve financial decision-making, and navigate compliance.
Mentoring
Tailored one-on-one guidance from experienced Aboriginal business leaders.
Counselling
Confidential support to address barriers and personal challenges that impact business growth.
Peer Learning
Opportunities to network and share experiences with other Aboriginal entrepreneurs in the region.​​
​​​Who can apply?
ABLI is a free initiative open to Aboriginal business owners and Aboriginal-led organisations living and working in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​What to expect
The core of the program involves structured training sessions delivered in a culturally safe environment
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3 x 2-day workshops over an 8-week period
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Dedicated 1-on-1 mentoring and counselling sessions throughout the program
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Workshops will be held at a central venue in Kalgoorlie
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Travel support may be available for eligible applicants to ensure everyone can attend​
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A graduation ceremony and dinner will be held for participants and their family members to attend
Program
The program will begin in March 2026, with the graduation ceremony in June 2026.
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Applications are closed and applicants will be notified of the results of their application by 20 March 2026.
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A detailed program timeline is provided below.
Key Program Information
Applications closed
How to apply
Eligibility
​To apply for the ABLI program, you must be:
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An Aboriginal person.
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Either:
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Own or co-own a business;
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Be developing a new business or enterprise; or
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Be a director, CEO, manager or emerging leader within an Aboriginal-led organisation (including ACCO’s or PBC’s) that is operating or exploring enterprise activity.
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Live in, or deliver enterprise activity within, the Goldfields-Esperance region (Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and surrounding areas).
Application Process
Online applications are open
Complete the short application form, available using the link below. This form asks about the sector you work in, the challenges you are facing, and any goals you may have.​​​​​​​​​
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January – February 2026
Kaala Barna will visit the region to meet applicants in person. We may contact you for a yarn to discuss your application in more detail.
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February 2026
Successful applicants will be selected based on their commitment to growth and fit for the program's outcomes.
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March - May 2026
The program will commence, including training sessions, mentoring and counselling.
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June 2026
Graduation Ceremony for participants
​If you need a hand you can contact the Kaala Barna Team via
Phone: 0437 426 775
Email: ABLI@kaalabarna.com.au