First Nations Entrepreneurial Program
First Nation women in STEM and Entrepreneurship
With cultural preservation and community success at the forefront, our programs are designed to build connections, share challenges and promote sustainable business models.
The First Nations Entrepreneurial Program is designed to support and build capacity for First Nation owned start-ups to develop successful business venture in food and agriculture, with a specific focus on native foods. Offering two customised streams, these programs cater to the distinct needs of the entrepreneurial journey.
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In the early-stage program, aspiring First Nation founders are equipped with the essential skills to transform their ideas into viable businesses. The program fosters capability and instils confidence, laying a strong foundation for entrepreneurial success.
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For First Nation entrepreneurs with existing businesses in the sector, the scale-up program aims to facilitate growth and scaling into new markets and channels. This stream also focuses on fostering capability and building confidence, empowering entrepreneurs to expand their ventures sustainably.
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Our programs typically run between 10-20 weeks. They are delivered via a hybrid model of online and in-person sessions, connecting participants with industry experts, role models, and mentors.
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We would like to acknowledge that this program is part of the Indigenous Girls & Women STEM and Entrepreneurship Round 4 grant funding from the Australian Government.
“I have gained a wealth of knowledge and amazing friendships and connections. With the guidance from experienced businesses and mentors, the templates and resources that have been provided, I have so much more confidence in myself and far more adept at building my business up and becoming more successful.”
Bek Shepherd, Edible Native Landscapes
Programs to date
Charles Sturt Indigenous Entrepreneur Program
Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs to explore ideas and build businesses in food and agriculture.
This customised early-stage program was developed in a collaboration between Food Futures Company and Charles Sturt University. The program was specifically designed for aspiring First Nation entrepreneurs and early-stage First Nation founders. The program aimed to provide assistance in exploring, building, and launching businesses in food and agriculture, with a specific focus on native foods and medicinal plants.
Over a four-month period, participants engaged in weekly masterclasses and workshops, building confidence, entrepreneurial skills, and connecting with a broad network of entrepreneurs in a culturally safe and supportive environment. The program guided participants through different stages of exploring ideas and launching new products or technology businesses in the food and agriculture sector.
Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs to develop and scale mature businesses in food and agriculture.
Charles Sturt Indigenous Entrepreneur Scale Up Program
Our 12-week program offered in-depth support to First Nation entrepreneurs with existing businesses in the agrifood sector. It facilitated business expansion and promoted innovative ventures within the community for sustainable impact.
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This custom program was designed to bolster participants’ entrepreneurial abilities, providing access to our extensive network and expediting their business growth while helping to shape sustainable business models in a culturally safe and supportive environment.
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This Scale Up Program was developed as a second collaboration between Food Futures Company and Charles Sturt University.
Who should apply
First Nation business founders across Australia, either developing products and businesses or with mature and existing start-ups in the food and agriculture sector. Teams with at least 50% First Nations members are eligible.
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We welcome diverse business ideas, fostering innovation and sustainability.
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You could be a food and agriculture business with any of the following examples of ideas or concepts:
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New range of food products based on native ingredients e.g. condiments; jams & chutneys; curry pastes; sauces
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Innovative new foods that may include native plant or animal ingredients e.g. ready meals; protein bars; plant-based products; desserts; healthy pizza toppings; pasta and pasta sauces; products for healthy ageing or kids; gut health; reduced sugar
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Service business such as landscaping, foodservice, nutritional guidance and education services
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Healthy ingredients that may include native plants that could be of interest to large food manufacturers e.g. native plant powders and extracts
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New products based on the healing and medicinal properties of native plants e.g. skin care; beauty products; nutraceuticals
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Working to reduce food waste or upcycled low value food
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Improving the sustainability of any food and agriculture sector including native foods
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New technologies that improve the production of native foods e.g. wattle harvesting technologies
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Technologies that increase traceability and authentication of native agriculture and food value chains
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Improving community access to healthy foods
Program Benefits
Customised program
The First Nations Entrepreneurial Programs are uniquely designed for each cohort, providing access to tailored resources, masterclasses and workshops through virtual group sessions
Immersive experiences
Engage in at least one comprehensive in-person bootcamp offering immersive experiences, workshops and the potential for a showcase event
Access to industry mentors and experts
Benefit from direct access to a network of mentors, expert service providers, investors, value chain partners, and customers
Community and peer engagement
Connect with Elders and First Nation role models throughout the program. Experience continuous support during the incubation period, including peer review and guidance from the advisory board
Business presentations and pitches
Showcase your entrepreneurial spirit with opportunities to articulate and present your business ideas at various stages throughout the program
Extensive resources
Access an extensive collection of resources and tools. Explore interactions with researchers and University research facilities
Alumni community
Enjoy ongoing support post-program including integration into the Food Futures and Farmers2Founders founder alumni community
