Membership Overview
By becoming a Kinaway member, you open yourself up to a world of opportunity and connection with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses in addition to our Corporate and Government Partners.
Membership criteria
At Kinaway, the Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, the criteria for becoming a member is simple
Majority Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander-owned and operated
We verify that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people* own and operate at least 51% of the business**.Victorian-based
The business is primarily located in Victoria and is creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal people living in Victoria.For-profit business
The business is not a charitable organisation or a not-for-profit
* Statutory Declarations will be considered as proof of Aboriginality with appropriate explanations and/or supporting documentation.
** Ownership structures are determined by reviewing the application form and other governance documents.
Membership benefits
Kinaway works closely with our businesses by providing a range of core services within an essential framework to promote and support the ongoing operation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses. Being a Kinaway member gives you access to key business support services, including:
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Knowing where to go and who to contact to start and then grow your business can be a daunting task, that’s why Kinaway provides a network of supporting businesses, software companies, government services and grants that are suited to our members businesses. So you don’t have to go searching!
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We understand that access to finance and capital can be one of the challenges for small business in the startup phase and in times of growth. Kinaway is working with financial institutions to develop key contact points for you to engage and work with to identify products that suit the needs of your business.
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We want to link our members with opportunities to do business! That’s why we have created the Kinaway marketplace. We will also be holding networking events with the public and private sector at all levels to facilitate introductions. Kinaway thrives off building networks and partnerships with organisations to open up opportunities for our members.
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Kinaway’s public facing database provides Corporate and State Government buyers access to a comprehensive list of Victorian Aboriginal businesses. Buyers can engage a certified Kinaway business with confidence knowing they have gone through our Board’s certification process and have been approved as a Victorian based Aboriginal business.
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Having a mentor to support and provide advice on running your business is one of the key elements of success. Kinaway will provide access to mentors and coaches who understand the Aboriginal business landscape and can walk with you in your journey.
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Kinaway will host networking events throughout the year. These events are designed to provide opportunities for our members to meet with other Aboriginal business owners and potential buyers. Make sure you sign up to our social media pages to receive regular updates on upcoming events.
Membership tiers
Ancient Gold Dust
$150 per annum
In acknowledgement of our ancient trading routes as the first entrepreneurs, our long journey and our coming together with many nations.
Sapphire Teal
$300 per annum
For artists only, this tier recognises the Aboriginal girl’s band from Cummeragunja Mission who rocked Vietnam during the 1960s.
Desert Dusk Red
$750 per annum
Acknowledging our long walk across Country as ancient custodians of land and sea and the changing times of the day.
Deadly Black
$5000 per annum
In honour of the First Nations people from around the world.
"Since joining Kinaway as a member, my business operations and personal growth has undergone a transformative change. The resources, guidance and support has grown my business especially after the Business Model Canvas and the Tendering workshops. One of the most valuable benefits as a member has been the Deadly Expo Events where I connect to a number of Kinaway business partners who engage our services. Thank you Kinaway for providing a supportive community and networking opportunities like Black Coffee so we can all become successful First Nation businesses."
- Carla Egan, The Coaching Directory
"Kinaway’s active engagement with Victorian Indigenous businesses is second to none. They are committed to providing opportunities for members to showcase their experience and expertise, connect with each other and demonstrate to the wider community that investing in Aboriginal owned businesses is a sound business decision. As a regional Victorian business, we benefit greatly from Kinaway’s support and engagement."
- Tamara Shepley - TVN on Country
The process
1. Submit your application
Complete the application form, making sure you complete your details accurately and attach all required documentation.
2. We review your application
Your membership application will be considered by the Kinaway Board to ensure membership qualifications are met.
3. You become a member!
Once approved, you’ll be added to our Membership Directory and can start to enjoy all the benefits that membership offers you.
