First Nations small business making it count

A Business Basics grant helped Jolene Elliott follow the important advice she gives to many of her clients: make time to work on your business, not just in your business.

Jolene, the director of Karlaya Accounting and Business Advisory, received a $5,000 Business Basics grant (round 5), to develop her business continuity plan and risk assessment process, which has helped her pursue new opportunities to grow her business.

“Making time to focus on the behind-the-scenes stuff like risks, systems and planning has really changed the way I think about my business. It’s helped me feel more in control and better prepared,” she admits.

“Having the right foundations in place means I can now focus more on supporting others, especially organisations doing great work in their communities.

“The Business Basics grant came at just the right time. It gave me the push I needed to invest in the long-term health of Karlaya, and that’s been incredibly valuable.”

Reflecting on NAIDOC Week (6 to 13 July 2025), Jolene is proud of her journey as a member of the Yamatji people—Traditional Owners in Western Australia’s Eastern Murchison region—to become a First Nations small business owner based in Brisbane in the professional accounting sector.

“I bring my whole self to the business, including my culture, values and connection to community,” Jolene says.

“First Nations businesses often come from a place of community and giving back. So, when these businesses grow, the impact flows beyond the owner—it creates jobs, builds capability, and uplifts whole communities.

“I just want to encourage other Indigenous business owners—or those thinking about starting—to go for it.

“With the right support, we can build strong, sustainable businesses that stay true to who we are and make a real impact,” she adds.

Since completing her Business Basics project, Jolene has continued to develop her skills, earning a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Business Leadership and becoming a director of Triple A, a local not-for-profit.

She is keen to grow the advisory side of Karlaya and work with more purpose-led businesses and organisations and support the next generation of Indigenous accountants coming up through the ranks.

Find out more about the Business Basics Grants Program.