Australian Business Volunteers (ABV)

In the four years since ABV first recognised how we could play a vital role in building disaster resilience and recovery, we are incredibly proud of how much our Australia programs have grown. Now, we've returned to the communities we previously supported in Victoria, with an expanded range of services and resources. We're here, stronger than ever, for the community. None of this would be possible without the generous contributions of our skilled volunteers, who apply their expertise to help communities navigate complex business challenges after disasters and through economic transitions. A huge thank you to our supportive partners: Arup, Deakin University, and Centre for Humanitarian Leadership. The Resilient Regions program is supported by the Victorian Government.

The City Pharmacy Ltd (CPL Group PNG ) Foundation Inc. is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to introduce its pilot programme which aims at delivering a comprehensive Business Mentoring Program tailored to support women-led businesses in Papua New Guinea. The Business Mentoring Program, set to run from November 2024 to April 2025, is designed to enhance the business acumen, leadership skills, and operational strategies of women entrepreneurs. Liz Mackinlay, Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) CEO, emphasized the significance of this partnership: "The Business Mentoring Program represents an essential focus for ABV—supporting women entrepreneurs in PNG through our ABV Business mentors. We are proud to help bring this vision to life with CPL Foundation to further the strengths and ambitions of women business leaders across PNG." Great work from our volunteer Zarah D. who is in PNG delivering the mentoring program. Read full release in the comments.

Let's celebrate our dedicated volunteer managers who enable people to make a difference and create better futures for all. Our extraordinary volunteer manager Cate Giovanelli has just had her 6-year anniversary with ABV! Her dedication keeps our volunteer programs moving. Congratulations Cate! #IVMDAY24

The truth is, when resources are scarce, it's hard to be friends in the scramble for funding. NGOs often find themselves in a race for resources, which makes true collaboration incredibly challenging. Yet, if we're serious about making a real difference in our communities, we need to break out of this cycle. It's time to create a "sacred space" for collaboration—a space where the focus shifts from competing for resources to creating real community impact. It means putting aside the need to protect our own turf and coming together with a shared purpose. We've seen firsthand how powerful this can be. When we met with the team at Fire to Flourish, we quickly realised we shared a vision for disaster resilience and a dream for Australia’s preparedness and social cohesion. This is what it looks like in practice: setting aside our individual agendas and coming together with a shared purpose. In silos we are fragmented—but in pooling our resources, knowledge, and expertise, we can create solutions that are far greater than the sum of their parts.   

Great research project to be a part of Daniel McAvoy Deakin University and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) It takes all of us, including businesses and volunteers to build resilience #communityresilience

I had an excellent Friday night at the Community Achievement awards representing Australian Business Volunteers (ABV). So many inspiring people and organisations doing the work in their communities. Special shout out to Glen from Psychs on Bikes and Andrew and Feng from the Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA). Lovely to meet you ! #NSWACTCAA Awards Australia / 7NEWS Australia

Blooming Business Futures Likely for Martu with ABV Support – Desmond’s Story The Martu Business Development Services program, supported by Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), is aimed at creating pathways to economic independence for Martu people through improved business skills, knowledge and facilitating access to opportunities and support to realise their business vision. Sponsored by Newmont, the program is now in its second year. Senior Program Manager Brigitte White and Program Coordinator Garth Preece, together with Martu Liaison leaders Sharon Bieundurry and Noeletta Lee, work with volunteers skilled in business and industry. Together, they bring business development, education and open-up networks to Martu communities in the Western Desert and Fitzroy Valley/Kimberley regions. The ABV program team and volunteers work alongside Martu community participants throughout their business journey, starting from the initial ideas stages through to preparing for the launch of their businesses. The program also offers educational opportunities in financial literacy and developing the skills necessary for starting and operating a business.  The team works across diverse sectors, such as small business, civil works, dry hire, mine rehabilitation, seed collecting, First Nations fashion and art, music, cultural awareness, and education. The team works closely with Newmont Telfer’s Social Performance team, and industry stakeholders and organisations such as Money Mob Talkabout Limited, Ngurra Kujungka and Indigenous Business Australia to create networks and support for businesses in the region.   Indigenous Business Month ︱Newmont Australia ︱#IndigBizMonth #10yearsofIBM #MakingOurMark Image: Left to Right – Brigitte White (ABV, Senior Program Manager), Desmond Taylor (Martu Artist), Daniel Tincknell (Newmont Telfer, Manager Social Performance), Sabino Andriani (Newmont Telfer, Superintendent Social Performance

🌟 What a fantastic week! 🌟 Today we are wrapping up our YES Aspire training, and it was amazing to have 9 highly engaged small business owners join us at the Business Hub! A big thank you to Australian Business Volunteers (ABV)’s skilled business professionals, Matthew Stone and Liane Arno, for delivering this valuable session. 🙌 The YES Aspire Program is all about empowering locals and small business owners with the essential skills they need to succeed. 💼✨ Curious about what the Nauru Chamber of Commerce does and how we can support your business? Visit our website to learn more: www.nauruchamber.org 🌐

Volunteer Opportunity: Regional Tourism Development Manager The Buchan, Gelantipy, and Districts region, home to the iconic Buchan Caves, is seeking support to revitalise its tourism sector. Following the devastation caused by the Black Summer bushfires and subsequent flooding, which damaged infrastructure and led to the closure of the Buchan Caves, local businesses have experienced a significant decline. We are seeking a volunteer to help develop a Master Precinct Plan to guide the future of tourism and local businesses in this stunning region. 🔹 The Role: Collaborate on exciting initiatives like the Megafauna Discovery Trail and new recreational facilities. Help turn community visions into reality through creative planning and strategic land use. 🔹 Commitment: 6–9 months, part-time Hybrid role (remote with travel expenses covered) For more information and application details, visit: https://lnkd.in/dEK_3_9q

Celebrating Samoan Entrepreneurs! Afa Vaasa is the passionate floral decorator behind Muaimalae's Florist. Afa has turned his love for flowers into a thriving business. Starting small in 2017 with simple arrangements for family and church events, Afa has gradually grown his business. Today, he caters to weddings, corporate events, funerals, and government functions. Afa operates his business from his home in Siusega, where he grows flowers in his garden. This personal touch comes through in his work. However, Afa finds it challenging not to have a central location to attract more business; therefore, opening a shop has become one of his main goals. As his reputation grows, he has secured bigger clients, caters to major events like Miss Samoa, and will provide floral arrangements for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) venue in October 2024. To continue reading visit the link in the comments. In partnership with BSP Financial Group Limited #chogm24