Native Grow is offering a free 14-week training program for early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs interested in starting a native food, botanicals or otherwise agricultural business.
The training is delivered by Yuin, Dunghutti and Gumbangyir woman Gemma Lloyd, owner of Sacred Country Consulting and Wiradjuri woman Sinead Singh, owner of First Nations Start Up.
The duo has collaborated to form an affiliate business, First Nations Business Accelerator, that trains and supports entrepreneurs in all industries recently announcing 2025 intake dates.
Ms Lloyd, a graduate of the MURRA program at Melbourne Business School as well as the University of Cambridge, said sustainability lies at the heart of the Native Grow program.
"By supporting First Nations entrepreneurs to develop innovative and environmentally conscious businesses in native foods and botanicals, we're fostering a deep connection between culture, community, and the environment," Ms Lloyd said.
"This program not only nurtures individual success but also ensures that the land and its resources are cared for in ways that honour our ancestors and benefit future generations.
"It's not too late for new participants to join - lessons are uploaded online and new students can catch up."
A pilot program, Native Grow began in early November with an intensive three-day workshop for 11 participants from NSW and Queensland and continues with online weekly sessions, which includes tailored business coaching, mentoring, and masterclasses.
The Native Grow program covers everything a start-up business needs featuring customer discovery, growth roadmaps, go-to-market strategies, connections to Elders and role models, and access to university research facilities.
An entrepreneur herself having started 11 businesses with seven still actively trading, Ms Singh said the Native Grow program is more than just a business initiative.
"Native Grow is a platform for First Nations entrepreneurs to connect cultural knowledge with modern innovation," Ms Singh said.
"By supporting businesses in native foods, botanicals, and agriculture, we're not only empowering individuals but also revitalising traditional industries in a sustainable way.
"Programs like this showcase the brilliance and resilience of our people, ensuring that the next generation of entrepreneurs has the tools and support to thrive," said the 33-year-old Gold Coast based trainer.
The bush foods business program, Native Grow is supported by the Australian government, in collaboration with the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) and the University of Queensland, and specifically focuses on food products, ingredients, skincare, beauty, health, wellness, technology, and medicinal products.
Native Grow is a pathway for First Nations entrepreneurs to revitalise native industries and create sustainable business models, making it a great example of innovation and cultural integrity.
Participant Kaiyu Bayles, a Wonnarua and Bundjalung woman, said Black business success and circular economy seemed realistic and achievable.
"It's very moving to be part of an entrepreneurial program where culture is up front, led by mob who've achieved personal success and are helping other mob achieve the same success," Ms Bayles said.
"I'm looking forward to working together, transforming community one person at a time, and making poverty history through creating lasting wealth and building a black economy."
To register for a Business Accelerator program, visit https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/QDBspy.