Business Development & Support

DEAL supports businesses on the Gove Peninsula to not only stay trading, but to develop, expand and diversify through the current economic transition. We provide a single “front door” for practical help; so you can understand what’s changing, make decisions early, and keep staff and services in place. This support is for sole traders, SMEs and community enterprises across the region. We can also help you identify new markets and local supply opportunities.

• Transition updates, local market insights and business continuity planning
• Referrals to trusted advisers and business support programs
• Workforce transition support: training pathways, recruitment help and retention planning
• Capital access: grants and finance options, plus application readiness support, including DEAL’s Economic Development Fund
• Procurement advocacy: tender readiness, capability statements and buyer links
• Housing availability coordination: connect to housing and accommodation pathways for staff

We work with Yolŋu organisations and Traditional Owners through respectful, culturally safe partnerships and shared decision‑making.

DEAL works alongside Yolŋu individuals, businesses and organisations to support strong, sustainable, Yolŋu-led economic development across East Arnhem.

Established in 2021, DEAL’s Yolŋu Business Development and Support function has evolved from a traditional business support service into a pathways-based model that reflects how Yolŋu businesses grow in practice; through confidence, capability, mentoring and opportunity, not one-size-fits-all programs.

In 2026, DEAL delivers this support through the Yolŋu Business Pathways Program, combining early-stage business readiness, tailored business support, access to finance, and close, on-country mentoring.

Yolŋu businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs can engage with DEAL at different stages, depending on their experience, readiness and goals. Support is flexible and can be accessed from early ideas through to established operations.

DEAL supports Yolŋu people to move into and through business at a pace that makes sense for them. This includes early-stage idea development and readiness (through partner programs such as Impact North’s Stepping into Business), business validation and planning, market readiness, operational support, and assistance to grow, stabilise or transition into independent operation.

A key feature of the 2026 model is close, personal support provided by trained Yolŋu business mentors. Mentors offer culturally grounded guidance, help navigate both Yolŋu and mainstream business systems, and support confidence, decision-making and problem-solving as businesses operate and grow. Mentors are supported by DEAL and form part of the broader Yolŋu Business Pathways Program.

For businesses requiring structured support, DEAL can provide or coordinate governance, financial and administrative assistance. This may include company secretarial services, tailored governance frameworks, bookkeeping and payroll support, compliance reporting, funding applications, logistics coordination, and general business administration.

DEAL works with businesses on strategic planning, operational systems, market exploration and long-term sustainability. Support also includes assistance to access funding, including the Economic Development Fund (EDF), helping businesses prepare Expressions of Interest and applications, align funding to readiness, and meet grant conditions.

Yolŋu businesses start in different places, and progress is not always linear. DEAL works as a long-term partner and pathway steward — supporting strong relationships, building local capability, and helping Yolŋu people develop sustainable, culturally grounded businesses for the future.