CHARLES STURT: INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM
yiramiilan: wambigi marramaldhaany buwagirri
Sunrise (new day): to support growers/makers grow
We acknowledge the use of Wiradjuri language, shared for use by Wiradjuri woman Tracy Ryan
Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs to explore ideas and build businesses in food and agriculture.
WHAT IS THE CHARLES STURT INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM?
The Indigenous Entrepreneur program has been developed in a collaboration between Charles Sturt University and Food Futures Company.
It is an early stage program specifically for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs and early stage Indigenous founders who are looking for help to explore, build and launch a business in food and agriculture.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHEN
Applications Open: 1 February 2023
Applications Close: 6 March 2023
Program Duration: 13 March- 30 June 2023
WHERE
A hybrid model of online sessions and two in person events. In person events scheduled:
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28-29 March 2023 (Sydney)
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24-25 May 2023 (Wagga Wagga)
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June Event (TBC)
COST
Free- This program has been funded by the NSW Government Boosting Business Innovation Program, in collaboration with Charles Sturt University and Food Futures Company.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Work on your idea with the guidance of experienced coaches
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Tailored support to each individual or team
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Development of your tailored business roadmap
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Cohort-based participation in a culturally safe and supportive environment
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Access to our broad network of industry mentors, role models and cultural advisors
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Opportunities to participate in food industry events
This customised program has been built to help you navigate the different stages of exploring ideas and launching a new product or technology business in the food and agriculture sector. The program will have a specific focus on native foods and medicinal plants. Over a four month period, you will learn through weekly masterclasses and workshops; build your confidence and entrepreneurial skills and connect with our broad network other Indigenous and non-Indigenous entrepreneurs in a culturally safe and supportive environment.
STAGE ONE: EXPLORE
MARCH 2023
4 WEEKS
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The program will commence with stage one which will help you refine your idea and be inspired by other Indigenous entrepreneurs who have successfully launched their new food and agriculture business. We will kick off with a 3-day residential workshop (21-23 March 2023) at Charles Sturt University campus in Wagga Wagga in the heart of Wiradjuri country where you will meet other participants in the program and participate in Yarning circles with Indigenous role models and Elders. A weekly series of online sessions will also be delivered to help you explore consumer trends and market opportunities for your idea and you will be partnered with your 1:1 business coach and mentors.
HOW IT WORKS
STAGE 2: TEST
APRIL 2023
4 WEEKS
In stage two you will be starting to build your idea into a real product or technology. You will be introduced to marketing and branding concepts and you will build your own simple website and social media assets. When your product starts to take shape you will begin testing with potential customers. This stage is delivered fully online in weekly sessions that include: practical group discussions; meeting with experts and mentors; and 1:1 business coaching.
4 WEEKS
STAGE 3: LAUNCH
MAY 2023
Stage three will prepare you for the launch of your product with real customers. You will be supported with the relevant technical advice in areas such as: recipe development; food safety; packaging and labelling. This stage also includes an introduction to setting up your own business; protecting your idea; presentation skills; and participation in an in-person event at Charles Sturt.
4 WEEKS
STAGE 4: FLY!
JUNE 2023
The final stage four of the program will be customised to you and where you are at in the development of your idea and new business. It will include ongoing support to build and launch your product or technology; business coaching; and introductions to potential retail, food service or manufacturing partners. On successful completion of the program you will become a member of the Food Futures community of Indigenous and non-Indigenous food and agriculture entrepreneurs and business owners.
WHO CAN APPLY?
This program is specifically for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs (located in NSW) who are looking to develop products and businesses in the food and agriculture sector. Current students, researchers or alumni of Charles Sturt University are encouraged to apply. You can be a First Nations person or a team with at least 50% First Nations team members.
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You could be working on any of the following ideas or concepts:
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New range of food products based on native ingredients eg. condiments; jams & chutneys; curry pastes; sauces.
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Innovative new foods that may include native plant or animal ingredients eg 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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Healthy ingredients that may include native plants that could be of interest to large food manufacturers eg native plant powders and extracts
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New products based on the healing and medicinal properties of native plants eg skin care; beauty products; nutraceuticals
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Ideas to reduce food waste or upcycled low value food
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Ideas that improve the sustainability of any food and agriculture sector including native foods
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New technologies that improve the production of native foods eg wattle harvesting technologies
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Technologies that increase traceability and authentication of native agriculture and food value chains
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Ideas that improve community access to healthy foods
These are examples only and we are interested in your ideas!
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1 February 2023
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications open on the 1 February 2023. Click on any of the 'apply now' buttons to fill in a simple application form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS