Supporting local people to pursue business opportunities and build long-term economic participation remains an important focus for DEAL across East Arnhem.

Through a partnership with Impact Nth, DEAL is helping deliver the Yolŋu Small Business Pathway Program — an initiative designed to provide practical support, training and mentoring for aspiring business owners across the region.

One local participant already making progress is Brendan Wunungmurra from Gapuwiyak.

Brendan is a graduate of Impact Nth’s first Stepping into Business program and has since made the decision to further develop his phone repair business, taking the next steps toward building a sustainable local enterprise.

As part of this journey, DEAL has worked alongside project partners to provide tailored support including equipment, business training, mentoring and specialised technical development opportunities.

This has included access to small business training delivered by Richard Trudgen through Why Warriors, specialised phone repair training through the Sydney-based Reconnect Project, and mentoring support through the NT Business Enterprise Centre.

By connecting participants with practical support and industry expertise, the program aims to create stronger pathways into business ownership and support emerging entrepreneurs to turn ideas into sustainable opportunities.

Brendan’s journey highlights the importance of tailored, place-based support and reflects the broader goal of helping build local capability and economic opportunity across East Arnhem.