Lola Digital is the latest First Nations business to be recognised for its deadly work in the Torres Strait.
The Thursday Island-based business was the Indigenous Business Award winner at the recent 2024 Innovate with nbn Grant Program winners.
Founded by Kantesha Takai in 2019 and based in Waibene (Thursday Island) in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait islands), the content and marketing agency helps businesses and organisations amplify their messages, and solidifies brands with culturally-safe and strategic marketing in website design and development, graphic design, copywriting and social media.
Ms Takai said as a certified Indigenous business Lola was always determined to employ local Indigenous artists, creatives and subcontractors across its supply chain.
"We aim to help bridge the digital divide for First Nations peoples living across the communities in Zenadth Kes, to help them pursue thriving careers and entrepreneurship opportunities, whilst staying on Country and on Island," she said.
Most of Lola's services were digital-first, with Ms Takai an advocate for the provision of better connectivity in her region to bridge the digital divide and ensure inclusion for First Nations people there.
"We want to connect with families, especially those with children in the vulnerable ages of 16 to 20, to strengthen their digital capabilities and online confidence," she said.
"We will aim at not only empowering young people, but their parents and guardians as well, to ensure the entire family feels involved and able to understand the digital landscape and the opportunities it provides for the future of work for young people."
Lola also offered families financial confidence workshops delivered by partner agency Lugger Indigenous Finance Education.
"We believe that, like all households, income and finances play a crucial role in determining better health and wellbeing of First Nations people," Ms Takai said.
"If we wish to help unlock income-generating opportunities through increasing digital capabilities, we want to provide families the support to make healthy financial decisions."
Now in its fifth year, the Innovate with nbn Grants Program was designed to support regional and remote Australian businesses and also recognise and highlight individuals, businesses or organisations who were innovators, champions of digital adoption and advocates for their local communities.
Gavin Williams, nbn chief development officer (regional and remote), said the 2024 ceremony in Sydney showcased the plethora of passionate regional innovators across the country who were improving digital participation, productivity and social outcomes.
"Throughout the last five years, we've been privileged to share the stories of past program winners we've helped on their journey, and see them achieve their vision and beyond," he said.
"At nbn our purpose is to lift the digital capability of Australia, and it's a purpose we share with all our innovate finalists and winners."
There was a total prize pool of $125,000, with category winners receiving $15,000 and the overall winner another $20,000.
More than 150 entries were submitted nationally across the seven categories of health, education, agriculture, tourism, arts, women in regional business and Indigenous business.
