CHARLES STURT: INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR SCALE UP 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 develop and scale mature businesses in food and agriculture.
WHAT IS THE CHARLES STURT INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR SCALE UP PROGRAM?
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Scale Up Program has been developed in a collaboration between Charles Sturt University and Food Futures Company.
This advanced stage program is designed to offer in-depth support to Indigenous entrepreneurs with existing businesses in the agrifood sector, facilitating their business expansion and promoting innovative ventures within the community.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHEN
Applications Open: 19 September 2023
Applications Close: 13 October 2023
Program Launches: 30 October 2023
Program Duration: 12 Weeks: 30 October 2023 -
23 February 2024
WHERE
A hybrid model of online sessions and two in person events. In person events scheduled:
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Boot Camp: W/C 20 November 2023: Wagga Wagga
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Showcase Event: February 2024: Wagga Wagga
COST
No Cost - This program is supported by Charles Sturt University
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Fortnightly group sessions and masterclasses, conducted virtually
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Fortnightly personalised sessions including 1:1 business coaching and mentoring
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Comprehensive in-person Bootcamp hosted at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, including showcase event
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Direct access to a network of mentors, expert service providers, investors, value chain partners
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Access to extensive collection of resources and tools
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Interaction with researchers and Charles Sturt research facilities
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Opportunities to articulate and present business ideas throughout the program
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Support after the program concludes including integration into the Food Futures and Farmers2Founders founder alumni community
This customised program has been designed to bolster your entrepreneurial abilities, provide access to our extensive network, and expedite your business growth while helping to shape a sustainable business model. Our 12 week program is aimed at offering in-depth support to Indigenous entrepreneurs with existing businesses in the agrifood sector, facilitating business expansion and promoting innovative ventures within the community for sustainable impact.
STAGE ONE:
GROW
3 WEEKS
In the "Grow" stage of our program, you'll kickstart your journey with a comprehensive onboarding experience. This includes getting acquainted with the Food Futures and Charles Sturt University teams. You'll have the chance to meet your dedicated coach, pitch your business, explore the program roadmap and embark on a deep dive into the business aspects. You will be involved in a dynamic Boot Camp at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga Campus (week commencing 20th November). Here, you'll immerse yourself in a wide array of activities. From enriching on-country experiences to creating connections with the Charles Sturt University’s research capabilities, workshops and facility tours. We'll help you nurture your founder development and plot your course with an accelerator roadmap.
This advanced-stage program is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurial growth by combining business expertise, cultural understanding and technological insights.
HOW IT WORKS
STAGE 2:
SCALE
9 WEEKS
In the "Scale" stage, spanning 9 weeks, we shift focus to key elements for business growth:
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Go to Market: We delve into marketing through storytelling, blending traditional narratives and indigenous elements for consumer connection. We guide you on customer personas, acquisition channels, and sales funnel management.
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People and Capability/Culture and Impact: We explore Leadership & Management, emphasising high-performing teams. We also delve into Holistic Wellbeing and Work Culture, covering physical, mental, spiritual, and community health practices.
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Scaling Your Value Chain: We provide insights into unit economics and financial models for effective business operations.
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Funding and Growth: We discuss growth options, capital strategies, impact investment, and stress transparent reporting for your growth journey.
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Business Model and Pitching: Refining your business model and pitching skills, including mock pitching sessions. You'll receive feedback to enhance your presentation style and content.
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The journey concludes with a graduation ceremony, pitch showcase and celebration of the program achievements. Ongoing support and integration into the alumni community will ensure your entrepreneurial success.
WHO CAN APPLY?
This program is specifically for Indigenous business founders located in NSW who have mature 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 a food and agriculture business with any of the following 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 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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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 eg 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 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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Improving community access to healthy foods
These are examples only and we are interested in your businesses!
19 September 2023
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications open on the 1 9 September 2023. Click on any of the 'apply now' buttons to fill in a simple application form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS