CGU Insurance launches mentoring program for First Nations small business owners

Leading Australian small business insurer CGU is currently inviting Indigenous Small Business owners to apply to be involved in the pilot program.

Ten businesses will be chosen to participate and will be given free access to a six-month mentoring program run by CGU in partnership with McCarthy Mentoring. Through the program, business owners will be matched with a mentor best suited to their business and needs, including experts from across CGU Insurance.

CGU Insurance Executive Manager Phil Lockyer said: “CGU has backed the ambitions of many small business owners by protecting their businesses, and we’re proud to launch this mentoring program to provide even more support to First Nations business owners and help in their continued success and growth.

“Over the last few months we’ve been speaking to many First Nations owned businesses about what they believe could help their business succeed, and mentoring was a recurring theme that came up in those conversations.

“Running a small business requires a broad range of skills and having a mentor to bounce ideas off and speak to for advice can be really useful when you don’t have a bigger team or network to lean on.

“Our aim for this program is to provide that additional support so that First Nations businesses can continue to thrive,” Mr Lockyer said.

The CGU Kayku Kumpa Mentoring program takes its name from the local language of the Gringai people of the Wonnarua nation of the Hunter Valley NSW.

Kayku Kumpa (pronounced Kuy – koo Koom – pah) means ‘strong yesterday, stronger tomorrow’. It was selected as it represents the opportunity for the participants to become stronger business owners and help to create a better future for themselves, their business and their communities.

CGU’s parent company, IAG, is a proud supporter of the reconciliation movement in Australia. In 2019, IAG launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan, which outlines commitments such as providing employment and internship opportunities to First Nations people, as well as supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

The mentoring program is open to Indigenous-owned small to medium enterprises. To apply please download and complete the application form below, and submit it to the team at safercommunities@iag.com.au. People should email the team if they would like further information, and terms and conditions. Applications close 17 June 2020.

Download the Application Form

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