Seven Indigenous-led businesses have completed the First Nations Entrepreneur Program at Charles Sturt University, with the 10-week program to grow their business culminating in a showcase on Monday at the Charles Sturt Playhouse in Wagga Wagga.
The program, run through Innovate at Charles Sturt at the university's Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) and in its second year, is designed to equip First Nations entrepreneurs with the skills, as well as the encouragement, needed to explore their business ideas to best make an impact in their communities.
The free program for First Nations small business owners or entrepreneurs to help expand their ideas using traditional knowledge is a collaboration between the University and The Scale Institute and offers participants the opportunity to ensure their ideas resonate culturally and commercially.
Fiona Harrison, who founded Chocolate on Purpose in 2012, said she has been inspired by the healing properties of native botanicals, which in turn, helped inspire her business idea.
Her training as a chocolatier sparked the idea to do this through immersive storytelling—with chocolate.
"The contribution of First Nations businesses is not just monetary, there is also the story of self-determination through the vehicle of businesses, especially in regional Australia," Ms Harrison said.
"The sharing of Cultural knowledge is crucial to the world's oldest continuing culture. If this isn't worth highlighting and celebrating, then what is?"
Mr Lyons, a fellow participant from Wagga Wagga, began making jewellery as a hobby as he battled mental health issues. He said he wanted to enrol in the program as it was a great way to help expand his creative outlet into a fully-fledged business.
"I think it's important to celebrate and highlight First Nations businesses and initiatives, as we are often overlooked and also don't think it's possible," Mr Lyons said.
"This program, and other initiatives, highlight that we can be successful, and that we can build each other up to build success."
The program began with a two-day learning circle in early August in Wagga Wagga before the participants attended weekly sessions over the next two months with the First Nations owned and led The Scale Institute.
Charles Sturt's Director of Innovation Programs, Jo Palmer, said this year's program featured a diverse range of businesses which are all led by passionate Indigenous entrepreneurs committed to innovation and cultural impact.
"The program has played a role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills within the First Nations community, as part of Charles Sturt University's commitment to social responsibility and empowering First Nations led businesses to contribute to economic growth," Ms Palmer said.
"Celebrating First Nations businesses is essential for showcasing Indigenous innovation, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations, while promoting economic self-determination and cultural pride."
This year, the seven participants were: Luke Penrith – Founder and Director of Luke Penrith Arts and Designs, from the Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin, and Gumbaynggirr Nations; Fiona Harrison – Founder and Creator of Chocolate on Purpose and a proud Wiradyuri woman, based on Gundungurra Country; Natasha 'Tash' Kaiser – Founder and Creator of Wurrumuy Collective and a proud Gomeroi woman, based on Ngunnawal Country; Max Lyons – Founder and Creator of Murrawalirra and a proud Wiradjuri man from Wagga Wagga; Ashleigh Pengelly – Founder of Little Black Duck and a proud Wiradjuri woman; Maxine Honeysett – Founder of Little Emus and a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri woman; and Ryder McDonnell – Founder of Ngarringarri Vibrations and a proud Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa man.
