First Nations
Youth Business Programs
Building skills. Creating opportunities. Stronger futures.
First Innovators’ First Nations Youth Business Program introduces young people to the world of business and entrepreneurship, encouraging them to explore ideas, build confidence and think bigger about what they can create and achieve.
We want young people to see business as something they can be part of.
Whether they go on to start their own business, work for someone else, continue their education or follow a completely different pathway, the program gives them practical skills, experiences and connections they can take into their future.
What Young People Explore
The program introduces young people to the key building blocks of business while developing the confidence and mindset to turn ideas into opportunities.
Through hands-on learning, participants explore the journey from developing an idea to understanding customers, money and leadership, and ultimately bringing their ideas to life.
Learning by Doing
We tailor the business experience to the age, experience and interests of the young people involved.
For younger participants, this might mean developing a simple business idea, creating a product and experiencing what it is like to sell it through a market-style activity.
For older participants, the program can go deeper into business models, customer research, financials, marketing, prototyping and developing and pitching a business idea.
Rather than relying on lectures, young people learn through activities, challenges, simulations, mentoring and real-world business experiences.
They get the opportunity to create, test, problem solve, work together and present their ideas.
Think Big. Dream Big.
We encourage young people to think beyond where they are today and explore what might be possible.
What could you create?
What problem could you solve?
What are you good at?
What could your idea become?
Where could business take you?
The program creates a space for young people to explore these questions, back their ideas and start turning them into something real.
Learning by Doing
We tailor the business experience to the age, experience and interests of the young people involved.
For younger participants, this might mean developing a simple business idea, creating a product and experiencing what it is like to sell it through a market style activity.
For older participants, the program can go deeper into business models, customer research, financials, marketing, prototyping and developing and pitching a business idea.
Rather than relying on lectures, young people learn through activities, challenges, simulations, mentoring and real world business experiences.
They get the opportunity to create, test, problem solve, work together and present their ideas.
Business Skills + Entrepreneurial Mindset
Learning how a business works is only part of the program.
We also want young people to develop the mindset and confidence to have a go, back their ideas, work through challenges and learn when things don’t go to plan.
By combining practical business skills with creativity, resilience, problem solving and leadership, the program gives young people skills they can use in business and wherever their future takes them.
Creating Stronger Pathways
Not every young person who participates needs to leave wanting to start a business.
For some, the program may spark an entrepreneurial journey. For others, it might lead to employment, further education, leadership, a creative pathway or simply greater confidence about what they can achieve.
The aim is to introduce young people to business, broaden what they can see for themselves and give them practical skills, experiences and connections that can support whatever pathway they choose.
Bring a First Nations Youth Business Program to Your Community
First Innovators works with schools, communities, businesses, government, funders and organisations to develop and deliver First Nations Youth Business Programs.
Programs can be tailored around the age group, community, location and outcomes you want to create, combining business learning with mentoring, real world experiences and connections to First Nations businesses and industry.
Help us create more opportunities for First Nations young people to explore business, develop their ideas and discover what they are capable of.
Think Big. Dream Big.
