Indigenous digital agency Ngakkan Nyaagu (NGNY) won the 2016 PwC & MURRA Boost Initiative, receiving skills and expertise to the value of $30 000. Co-founder, Liam Ridgeway said the initiative has made a difference to their business.

“The Murra Boost initiative has been a great support to NGNY, it has allowed us to engage with PwC to seek support on our financial requirements. PwC have also been a great sounding board for business planning and strategy support.”

Ngakkan Nyaagu (NGNY) is a one hundred percent Aboriginal owned company co-founded by Liam Ridgeway and John Saulo that is firmly focused on their goal of establishing a vibrant Indigenous Digital Economy. Ngakkan Nyaagu means ‘see’ in Wergaia and Gumbaynggirr languages. The business is now entering its fifth year of operation, employing six staff across web and application development, graphic design and digital communications.

“In the last financial year NGNY’s revenues grew by 25 per cent. This growth, in part, is as a result of the support that we have received from PwC through the Murra Boost initiative.  It has allowed us to focus on our requirement to run our business and trust in the support that the PwC team have been providing us.” said Liam.

The PwC & MURRA Boost Initiative, established in partnership by leading professional services firm PwC and Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Masterclass Program, is designed to help strengthen and build capacity within Indigenous business organisations.

The MURRA Program was developed by the Melbourne Business School (MBS) to address the economic disadvantage faced by Indigenous Australians.  MURRA Co-Founder, and Associate Professor in Leadership, Michelle Evans believes the initiative will further develop capabilities of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

“The Boost Initiative is a direct injection of expertise to assist the growth of Indigenous firms. It is start-up Indigenous tech companies like NGNY that provide inspiration and aspiration for the Indigenous business sector,” said Michelle.

“We know the Indigenous business sector is growing and a vital facet of the broader Australian economic landscape,” said Kim Cheater, PwC/PIC Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Co-Chair.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for PwC and PwC Indigenous Consulting to work with a dynamic and innovative Indigenous business and contribute to their future success.”

Skills and expertise provided through the initiative will go towards supporting a specific issue identified by the business that will drive for future growth.

“As a result of being awarded the Murra Boost Initiative, we have developed stronger relationships not just with PwC Indigenous Consulting, but also with the wider team at PwC.” said Liam.

“We recommend any Indigenous business to apply for the Murra Boost Initiative, it certainly has taken a lot of pressure off the business to have a trusted third party assist us but also to support us in developing an improved financial structure within our business.”