This customised business masterclass is for professionals, entrepreneurs and others in the African diaspora community in Western Australia who aspire to start or grow their small businesses, require business, trade, legal, financial, entrepreneurial and risk management skills and capabilities, or want to start-up, scale and manage their businesses and business relationships.
Such skills and capabilities include business planning and strategy, bookkeeping and financial management, branding and marketing, legal compliance and risk management, amongst others.
The 5-day masterclass delivered by Curtin Business School and Curtin’s Centre for Australia-Africa Relations is a targeted capacity building and upskilling initiative for participants with all levels of prior business experience and qualifications.
The masterclass develops and sharpens practical business and entrepreneurial skills which participants can take away and apply immediately. The short course has been designed based on feedback from long-term ongoing consultations with African diasporan communities in WA, Australian corporates operating in Africa and Australian entrepreneurs of African heritage. Program convenors and expert session facilitators come from both African and non-African backgrounds.
About the facilitators
Associate Professor Richard Oloruntoba
Richard is an Associate Professor in Supply Chain Management at Curtin Business School with more than 25 years’ teaching and research experience, following 13 years in business and management roles in Nigeria and the UK. He has taught extensively across Australia, the UK, and internationally, covering international business, operations, logistics, and supply chain management. His contributions to learning have been recognised with multiple teaching awards, including Curtin’s 2023 Education for Sustainability Award.
Associate Professor Bella Butler
Bella is an internationally recognised expert in business strategy and leadership education with over 30 years’ experience in the tertiary sector. She has co-authored leading textbooks on strategic management, co-designed Curtin’s Master of Leadership and Governance, and pioneered innovative teaching tools such as Curtin’s simulation-powered Management HQ. In 2023 she was appointed as a Curtin Provost Fellow for her leadership in teaching and governance.
Haileluel Gebre-Selassie OAM
Haileluel is a highly respected community engagement and business leadership specialist with senior experience across government, higher education, and grassroots organisations. He co-founded the Blue Nile Business Masterclass at the University of Melbourne and is Managing Director of Hailes G&M Pty Ltd. His contributions to diversity and community development have been recognised with honours including the Winston Churchill Fellowship, the Melbourne Award, and the Order of Australia Medal.
Associate Professor David Mickler
David is Dean Global (Africa) and Director of the Centre for Australia-Africa Relations at Curtin University, as well as an Associate Professor of International Relations. He co-leads the Australia Africa Universities Network and has delivered programs for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Diplomatic Academy. David works closely with African communities in WA and is widely published on African politics, diplomacy, and development. In 2025, he was awarded for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of African Australians.