GROW YOUR BUSINESS

First Innovators’ Indigenous business programs support and grow fulfilling and sustainable businesses. See below for the We Mean Business program & future Business Growth & Digital Storytelling programs.

first nations women in business

We Mean Business program

SA - September to December 2023

QLD - April to July 2024

NT - TBC

Calling all deadly First Nations women entrepreneurs! Are you ready to unlock your leadership potential, build a strong community and empower yourself through business? Look no further than our transformative We Mean Business program! Apply online for your fully funded FREE spot today!

Program includes:

  • Weekend women’s retreat

  • Online leadership & business course (weekly 2hr sessions)

  • Personalised coaching

  • Strategic actions to move forward with

** Embrace Empowerment: At the heart of our program is empowerment - empowering you to unleash your potential, embrace your personal leadership in your life and community identifying opportunities to create a meaningful impact in your world. 
** Build a Supportive Community: We know the power of community and the strength that comes from supporting one another. Build lifelong relationships, collaborate on projects and tap into the collective wisdom of a supportive ecosystem.
** Culturally Grounded Business Practices: Embrace your cultural heritage and infuse it into your business journey. Our program recognises the value of Indigenous knowledge, traditions and practices. We'll help you integrate cultural elements into your business strategies, fostering a sense of pride, connection and authenticity.
** Entrepreneurial Skills and Business Development: Take your business (or business idea) to the next stage with our business training. Learn essential strategies for growth, innovation and sustainability. From marketing to financial management, we'll equip you with valuable tools to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
** Community Impact and Sustainability: As a First Nations female entrepreneur, you have the power to create positive ripple effects in your community. Explore how you want to leave a lasting legacy by building a business that not only thrives but also contributes to the wellbeing of your family and community.
** Supportive Coaching and Mentorship: We understand that every entrepreneurial journey is unique. That's why our program offers personalised coaching and mentorship to guide you along the way. Our experienced coaches and mentors will provide valuable insights, help you overcome challenges and support your growth as a leader and entrepreneur.
Apply now for the We Mean Business program and embark on a transformative journey of leadership, community building and business empowerment. 
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources for the opportunity to run this program.

First Nations Digital Story
Development Program

On 9 August 2023, we hosted an unforgettable evening celebrating First Nations entrepreneurship and storytelling!

Watch their inspiring stories on our YouTube channel.

First Innovators was thrilled to collaborate with an impressive group First Nations businesses on our Digital Marketing and Storytelling Program. Together with Digital Storytellers, we captured the heart and soul of these entrepreneurs and their remarkable journeys.

We extend our gratitude to the City of Sydney for their support in making this event possible. Together, we proudly celebrate First Nations culture, connection and collaboration.

Business Growth Program

UPCOMING PROGRAM DATES:

Coming Soon

The First Innovators’ Business Growth Program supports you to overcome the challenges of running a business and helps you share your unique story with more customers.

We're calling out to Indigenous business owners from every state and territory to access our FREE online 12-week Business Growth Program including personalised 1-1 coaching & mentoring, training and support.

The 12-week business accelerator is a professional development course that combines knowledge and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The course provides access to practical tools, frameworks and strategies needed to remain competitive in today’s digital landscape.

If you’re struggling in any way to grow your business, this FREE course will show you exactly what it takes to be successful.

This program is for Indigenous business owners across Australia, from any sector.

  • 12-week FREE online program

    2 hour Monday evening workshop

    2-3 hours per week of your own time

    1-1 personal coaching and mentoring

    Indigenous-led training

  • Learn and implement best business practice principles.

    Get clear about your unique brand and what makes your business special.

    Identify and address gaps in your business model.

    Supercharge your digital marketing.

    Gain clarity around your brand messaging to attract the right customers.

    Learn from industry leaders in both step by step group training and 1-1 coaching and mentoring.

    Chance to network with other Indigenous businesses.

  • Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander business owner?

    Is your business at least 50% Indigenous owned?

    Do you have the passion and drive to be successful?

  • Register your interest for our next program.
    We will let you know when our next program commences.

Business Growth Program Information Night

Do you want to learn how to navigate the barriers and challenges of starting and growing a successful Indigenous business?

First Innovators’ program coordinator and trainers joined Indigenous business owners across Australia to yarn about the Business Growth Program and how it can help to develop and grow sustainable businesses.

Check out the video from our May 2022 Indigenous Business Growth Program Information Night.

Educators

  • Greg Hodgkinson

    Programs Manager - Business Growth Program

  • Brendan Bishop

    Trainer - Business Growth Program

  • Kelly Lawson

    Coach - Business Growth Program

What People Are Saying…

“The program has helped me think seriously about what I should be focusing on, where I should be putting my attention at various stages and helping me focus on what I really want to achieve in my business. It helped me connect the practical stuff and put it into some sort of framework, identify the markets we are currently in and where we want to be placed in the future.”

—Jenny Khan - The Unexpected Guest. Award Winning Muesli Snack-Bars

“The program helped me frame what I am trying to do as a business and understand where to go for investment. To think about where we want to be in seven years and have that framework in mind instead of just looking at today."

— Michael Dickerson - Gambarra. Internet of Things (IOT) Technology Solutions Company with Global Aspirations

“I wish I had done the program before I started my business. It has set me on a path on a way I needed verses where I was. The program gave me a lot of what I needed to do and where to go in my business. I have the cultural tools and knowledge but the business side I really struggle with. It also helped me charge more appropriately for my products, helping me define a pathway.”

— Sally-Anne Gamble - Sals Aboriginal Art. Warjarri Yamitji/Noongar Nyarlu Aboriginal artist.

Acknowledgment to Country

First Innovators acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia and their continuing connection to Country, Sea and Community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future, and recognise their continuing connection and contribution to this land and Aboriginal education.

First Innovators

0407 618 030

greg@firstinnovators.org