A collaboration between Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), Screen Australia, and No Coincidence Media is set to deliver a newly designed First Nations Screen Business Accelerator across the country.
Supported by Screen Canberra, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, Screenwest, South Australian Film Corporation, and VicScreen, the initiative is designed to support emerging and mid-career Indigenous producers to elevate their projects and production companies to the next level.
The program will provide participants with access to industry-leading mentorship and targeted business development support delivered through a culturally informed approach which reflects Indigenous ways of doing business within the realities of the contemporary screen industry.
It will provide participants with access to industry-leading mentorship, and targeted business development support delivered through a culturally informed approach which reflects Indigenous ways of doing business within the realities of the contemporary screen industry.
Screen Australia Director of First Nations Strategy, Rachel Perkins, said to succeed in the screen industry, creativity needs to be matched with strong business foundations.
"Backed by national and state partners, this initiative creates that support - ensuring the next generation of Indigenous production companies have the business scaffolding to build sustainable careers and bring their stories to the screen," Ms Perkins said.
IBA said the collaboration represents a significant step forward in strengthening the First Nations screen ecosystem by aligning investment, expertise, and opportunity across federal and state levels, through an industry-led, nationally coordinated approach.
They said the new initiative reflecting a shared commitment to economic empowerment through storytelling.
IBA Deputy CEO Sean Armistead said the partnership "recognises that First Nations producers are not only powerful storytellers, but entrepreneurs and business leaders".
"By supporting their business growth, we are strengthening the foundations of a more resilient and sustainable First Nations screen sector," he said.
IBA said the business accelerator will focus on building sustainable creative businesses, and equipping participants with the skills, frameworks, and support to scale their work for both national and international markets.
They said participants may benefit from pathways to finance and market opportunities, as well as tailored support through IBA.
No Coincidence Media, who will play a key role in designing and delivering the program, emphasised the importance of First Nations-led design.
"No Coincidence Media is proud to lead the First Nations Screen Business Accelerator, drawing on our experience in the industry and our commitment to a First Nations-led lens as our foundation," No Coincidence Media producer, Mitch Stanley, said.
"This program responds to a clear need in the sector supporting the next generation of producers to build sustainable businesses, strengthen their business acumen, and ensure our stories continue to be told our way."
Applications for the First Nations Screen Business Accelerator are now open.
