Hi Sistas, 

Kinaway is proud to invite our members to express their interest in being part of the Sistas in Business Program — a powerful initiative designed to support, connect, and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in business across Victoria. Delivered in partnership with Professor Kerry Arabena and Karabena Consulting, this program brings together cultural strength, business capability, and real opportunities for growth.

Who is this for? 

This program is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in business and entrepreneurs across Victoria, at all stages of their journey — from early ideas through to established enterprises.

About the Program 

The Sistas in Business Program is a statewide, culturally grounded business development initiative supporting women to grow strong, sustainable and successful businesses. The program has been designed to address key barriers faced by First Nations women in business, including access to capability development, financial literacy, procurement pathways and peer networks.

What the Program Involves 

The program will be delivered in three key stages: 

1. Consultation & Engagement (May – July 2026)

• Regional and metro yarning sessions  

• Identify business challenges, opportunities, and priorities  

• Shape the program based on lived experience  

2. Enterprise Capability Workshops (July – December 2026)

• Practical workshops covering:  

• Business models and growth planning  

• Financial literacy and pricing  

• Business structuring  

• Capability statements and market positioning  

3. Accelerator Program (January – August 2027)

• Intensive mentoring and coaching  

• Peer learning and collaboration  

• Business growth strategy and problem solving  

• Ongoing support through structured check-ins
  

Participation in some stages will be subject to a selection process via this EOI.

What You Will Gain

By participating in the program, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Strengthen your business capability and confidence  

• Build strong networks with other Aboriginal women in business  

• Improve your understanding of procurement and market opportunities  

• Develop or refine your business plan and capability statement  

• Access mentoring, coaching and real pathways to growth
  

The program is designed to support over 100 women statewide, with targeted support for those ready to scale and grow their businesses.

Eligibility

To participate in this program, you must be: 

• A registered Kinaway Member

If you are not currently a member, we strongly encourage you to reach out to Illana Atkinson to discuss how we can support you to become a member. 

Please note: All applicants must meet Kinaway’s membership eligibility requirements.

Submit Your Expression of Interest

EOIs are now open and close Wednesday 30 April 2026. 

Places are limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.

This is more than a program — it’s about building strong, connected and thriving Aboriginal women-led businesses across Victoria. 

We look forward to walking alongside you on this journey.