AN Aboriginal-owned business in Central Australia has ambitious plans to grow.

Standley Chasm, a beautiful spot 30 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs, already attracts about 48,000 visitors a year.

But the owners believe they can get more people to visit their home – and stay longer.

Standley Chasm, known as Angkerle Atwatye in the Arrernte language, received a grant under the Northern Territory Government’s popular Smarter Business Solutions initiative last year to install a solar hot water system with gas booster.

The project reduced running costs and produced hot water for the store and guest showers.

A grant under the Business Growth program will assist the business to engage a consultant to plan a long-term business and management strategy.

“We need that strategy to move ahead,” says general manager Ray Prunty.

“Then we can put our growth into action.

“The Government grants are helping us move forward.”

Standley Chasm, which sits in the West MacDonnell Ranges, has two campgrounds and a kiosk, which sells souvenirs and serves lunch and dinner, and will soon begin laying on breakfast.

It also caters for coach parties.

The business offers cultural tours, including bush tucker walks, and art classes – visitors can watch Aboriginal artists at work and even have a go themselves.

“People can paint things like bookmarks and boomerangs,” says Ray.

Plans are to expand the cultural tours and art project, and add luxury camping to the accommodation on offer.

“We want visitors to stay longer,” says Ray. “For instance, we get lots of schoolkids here for day trips – we want them to really get to know the place by camping.”

Standley Chasm, which was formed by floodwaters from the Finke River system, is a good starting or finishing point for people walking the Larapinta Trail.

It is named after Alice Springs schoolteacher Ida Standley.

For further information, visit standleychasm.com.au, or to find out support available to help your business start.run.grow visit startrungrow.nt.gov