Hearing the journeys: the factors that impact female Indigenous entrepreneurship in Victoria

This research explored the life journeys of Indigenous Australian business women residing in Victoria, Australia. In addition, Indigenous community views were explored to uncover the factors that may impact on business women from their relationships with the Indigenous community. The findings add insight into the relationship interplay between the Indigenous community and Victorian Indigenous business women. The research involved the exploration of knowledge and experience of participants using a base feminist theory with Participatory Action Research (PAR) that had concepts adopted from co-operative inquiry utilising cycles of action and reflection. The action cycles were the sharing of stories in both focus groups and individual sessions. The interview sessions were unstructured where the thoughts and emotive processes of participants generated in action cycles, defined the direction of the reflection cycles. The reflective cycle action was achieved by presenting the 21 participants with an opportunity to verify the information that was disclosed during interview and to provide additional information such as stories, poetry or pictures to express their journey thereby providing richness to their data. All participants were considered to be co-researchers and the author being an Indigenous person, facilitated in open, trusting communication exchange. The research uncovered four main themes of family; business; government and culture/community that affected both community and business women and highlighted the critical areas of concern, including the importance of education, family connectedness and adequate support. It is often accepted that the Indigenous community has a connectedness to culture that is specific to Indigenous Australians. The research had significant findings that inform business, government, community, women and Indigenous people, as well as contribute to academe. Finally, recommendations for government agencies such as the Koori Business Network to help support current Indigenous business women and to help increase the numbers of Indigenous business women in Victoria are presented