Sharing Knowledge #5: Identifying and Utilising Your Skills for Business

by welcomemerchant, posted in Uncategorized

By Rebecca Foreman (Navitas Skilled Futures)

For migrants and refugees arriving in Australia, the entrepreneurial spirit often becomes a ray of hope and self-determination.

Recognising and utilising your unique skills can be a powerful spark for business success in your new home. But how do we identify our unique skills and then use them to start or grow a business in Australia?

In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to identify your strengths and ways you can leverage them to grow a thriving business in the diverse landscape of Australia.

Self-discovery & Reflection

Cultural Assets

Your cultural background is a treasure trove of unique skills that can serve you well as a local business owner. Identify language proficiency, cultural insights, and interpersonal skills that can bridge gaps and open doors for you in a multicultural society like Australia.

Government-funded organisations like Navitas Skilled Futures are at your fingertips, offering a variety of programs and courses that can help you identify your unique skills.

Their Skills for Work program also offers additional support across areas including workplace communication, using the latest digital technology, and effectively managing your money and finances.

Personal Resilience

The journey you’ve undertaken as a migrant or refugee to Australia has equipped you with a level of resilience that should be celebrated. 

Recognise this trait as a valuable asset, essential for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in any country, and use it to boost your confidence as you begin the journey to owning and running your own business.

Community Engagement

Connect with local networks

Join local community groups, migrant-focused organisations like Welcome Merchant and Navitas Skilled Futures, and small business associations to help leverage your community engagement.

Connect and chat with fellow migrants and refugees who have successfully started businesses in Australia. You can learn from their experiences (and mistakes) and seek guidance on identifying skills and opportunities that align with the local Australian market.

Volunteer Opportunities

Explore volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and can help you expand upon your existing skills.

Volunteering not only enriches your personal experience of life in Australia but also allows you to showcase and develop your skills in a practical setting, making them more visible to potential business partners or customers.

Navitas Skilled Futures offers an enriching and inclusive Volunteering Tutor Scheme that provides migrants and refugees with the opportunity to connect with people who may have walked a similar path to yours and who have secured their own successful business or service in Australia.

Skills Assessment & Development

Professional Training Programs

Australia offers various training programs and workshops tailored to help migrants and refugees develop their skills.

Navitas Skilled Futures is a great place to start. Their valuable courses are designed to help migrants and refugees improve their language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills. And better yet, their courses are completely free!

Language Proficiency

Enhancing your English language skills will allow you to communicate with customers, partners, and suppliers effectively.

Improve your spoken and written language skills with Navitas Skilled Futures Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). This program also provides networking and partnership opportunities that could assist your business growth journey, so it’s a wise decision to take advantage of this Government-funded program.

Passion & Market Position

Identify Your Passion Areas

Famous Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Creating a business that centres around a personal passion area not only fuels your motivation but also contributes to the authenticity of your brand. 

Consider which of your passions might make an excellent business model, and you could be lucky enough to ‘never work a day in your life’!

Market Research

Once you have a business idea or two, it’s time to do some research. Others may have done the hard work for you and conducted market research already, so it’s best to check online reports, industry reviews and magazine articles via the internet to find out what your potential customers think about your business idea.

By understanding the needs and wants of your local market, you can align your skills and passion with Australian market demand. By doing so, you will enhance the chances that your business idea is geared for success.

Networking & Mentorship

Networking Events

We recommend attending local business events, seminars, and workshops to connect with people who can help support your business in Australia. 

Not only does networking provide opportunities to connect with potential collaborators, mentors, and customers, but it can also help you understand current market conditions and learn from others in the same market as you.

Seek Mentorship

Connecting with experienced entrepreneurs or professionals who can provide guidance is an invaluable practice.

A mentor can offer insights into the Australian business landscape, share practical advice like how to set up a business in Australia and help you refine your business strategy.

An entrepreneur or mentor can also offer the value of hindsight, as perhaps they can share experiences that have not worked for their business in the past, which could save you a lot of time and money as you learn from their mistakes.

Create a Brand that Reflects Who You Are

Authentic Branding

Authenticity resonates with customers and can set you apart in the competitive Australian business market. Share your journey as a migrant or refugee entrepreneur to create a meaningful connection with your audience.


Highlight Diversity

Embrace the diversity you bring to the Australian business landscape. Showcase how your unique background contributes to innovation, creativity, and a broader perspective within your industry.

By understanding your unique skills and talents as a migrant or refugee entrepreneur in Australia, you can not only use this in your business strategy but also celebrate your diversity and resilience in Australia’s vibrant business community marketplace. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, and let your unique skills be the driving force behind your entrepreneurial success!

How can Navitas Skilled Futures Help You Start Your Own Business in Australia?

If you are in Sydney or Canberra, contact Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) to find out if you are eligible for the free, government-funded AMEP. If you’re in a different area, you can find your local provider here. 

Access more information about the above programs at NSF at the following links:

We’re here to help you to build a better future and reach your goals of starting a business. Contact NSF on 1300 798 111, email info@navitas-skilled-futures.com.au or click here to find out more or enrol.

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