Meet Louisa Whettam, the owner of “Ngiyambalgarra Consultancy” a small business based in Brisbane, Queensland
Louisa offers a variety of services including research projects, First Nations-first training and mentoring programs, presentations at conferences, tailored training sessions, cultural capability awareness workshops, graphic facilitation, commissioned artwork, and Indigenous design work.
“Having a business coach like Tito who genuinely understands your business journey and walks alongside you is incredibly valuable. The guidance and support are practical and empowering.” – Louisa Whettam
Read more about Louisa’s business journey so far:
Louisa’s Business Journey
My business, Ngiyambalgarra is a consultancy that has recently transitioned from a sole trader structure to a company. I offer a variety of services including research projects, First Nations-first training and mentoring programs, presentations at conferences, tailored training sessions, cultural capability awareness workshops, graphic facilitation, commissioned artwork, and Indigenous design work.
The business has been formally operating as a company for just over 12 months, but the work began around four years ago as a sole trader. The journey began during COVID, when I was unemployed. I started doing small contract work, which eventually evolved into a more focused consultancy pathway.
What motivated you to take the next step in growing your business?
I want to focus more on the strategic side of the business—growing the team, building networks, and securing more contracts and funding. I now have a team of five part-time employees, with two potentially transitioning to full-time, so I can focus on growth opportunities.
I engaged with Many Rivers for strategic planning and business support. I’ve been working closely with Tito on a strategic planning workshop and now we’re focusing on outcomes like financial planning and cashflow management.
How did you hear about the Small Business Development program?
I saw a Facebook advertisement.
What kind of services have you received from your business coach after joining the SBD program? m Many Rivers SBD program?
I engaged with Many Rivers for strategic planning and business support. I’ve been working closely with Tito on a strategic planning workshop and now we’re focusing on outcomes like financial planning and cashflow management.
How have the planning workshops and business tools helped you?
The strategic planning workshop helped tighten internal processes, including governance and structures. We’ve already implemented a lot of what we developed in that session, and it’s given us clarity on the next stages to work through.
Have your thoughts about revenue and employment changed now that you have joined the program?
Yes. I have transitioned from managing everything myself to building a team of part-time staff. This has allowed me to shift focus from operations to strategy, which I believe will help secure more contracts and make the business more sustainable.
What has been the most valuable part of the program for you?
The ongoing business coaching and genuine support from Tito. He’s flexible, available, and brings lived business experience. He really listens and helps guide us without sugar-coating things, which I value deeply.
What impact has the program had on you and your business?
It’s brought structure to the business and allowed me to step back from day-to-day tasks. We have seen great feedback from our workshops and are building a team that can support our growth. It has also helped us shift into a more strategic mindset.
What are the main challenges you are still working through?
In the beginning, I lacked proper guidance and support—especially financial. Not having a bookkeeper or accountant created setbacks with tax and cashflow. That’s now improving, but it was a big challenge to work through.
Did you get a loan from Many Rivers? If yes, how did it help you in growing your business?
No, I didn’t get a loan.
Future Goals and Advice
We are aiming to secure sustainable funding—either through government or philanthropic sources. We’re also planning to establish a not-for-profit branch of the business to access broader funding opportunities.
Do you feel hopeful that you will achieve your goals?
Yes, I do. We’re making a positive impact, and I can see change happening around us. The business is evolving and I feel confident that we’re moving in the right direction.
What advice would you give to other Indigenous business owners considering the program?
I will say definitely reach out. Having a business coach like Tito who genuinely understands your business journey and walks alongside you is incredibly valuable. The guidance and support are practical and empowering.
Thank you Louisa for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Louisa’s small business, follow “Ngiyambalgarra Consultancy” through the following links:
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