Have you got an idea that creates impact in the community? Are you ready to tap into your entrepreneurial mindset, guided by First Nations leaders who have forged their own impact journeys?
Join us as we embark on a 10-week entrepreneurial program rooted in First Nations wisdom to explore your idea in detail. The First Nations Innovators Program is where traditional knowledge meets entrepreneurial action. The program is designed to build your capability in innovation and entrepreneurial methods and empower you to address the challenges facing our peoples and communities.
Ensuring your ideas resonate culturally and commercially, learn from the ground up, and be guided by creativity and purpose. Validate ideas and business models with the support of experienced guides and mentors who treasure growth in you and your community.
"Delivering this program on Wiradjuri country, connecting with Indigenous facilitators, in a culturally safe space, ensures that we have a deadly environment to build Indigenous entrepreneurs. Join us. Gawaymbanha-galang—walk with courage and purpose!"
- Stephen Rutter, The Scale Institute
This initiative isn't just about exploring an idea, it is about connecting deeply to create sustainable opportunities. Transform, grow, and give back. This is innovation through an Indigenous lens, where every step forward honors the pathways forged by First Nations change makers.
Working with The Scale Institute, an Indigenous owned and led organisation, the 10-week program will consist of:
A two-day in-person learning circle in Orange
4-5 April 2025
Six weekly virtual sessions with First Nations facilitators
15 April 2025, 6:00-8:30pm AEST
29 April 2025, 6:00-8:30pm AEST
6 May 2025, 6:00-8:30pm AEST
13 May 2025, 6:00-8:30pm AEST
20 May 2025, 6:00-8:30pm AEST
27 May 2025, 6:00-8:30pm AEST
Showcase (in-person)
29 May 2025, 5:30-8:00pm
Virtual wrap up session
10 June 2025
The program is open to Indigenous Australians who are interested in entrepreneurship and innovation. We welcome applications from community leaders, emerging entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. As the program is designed to accommodate individuals who may be working or studying, sessions are often scheduled to fit around typical work or study commitments. Specific details will be provided once you are accepted into the program.
The program is offered free of charge to support accessibility for all participants. Specific details on any potential costs, such as travel arrangements will be provided during the application process.
Please be advised that videotaping, filming (including audio) or still photographs will be taken at this event for use in Charles Sturt University advertising, media publicity, publications, web displays or any other Charles Sturt University purpose. By entering this event, you consent to Charles Sturt University videotaping, filming (including audio) or photographing you and using your image and likeness. If you have any queries or do not wish Charles Sturt University to use your image and likeness, please contact the AgriPark Events Team at agriparkevents@csu.edu.au.
Mindy is the owner of renowned native food restaurant 'Karkalla Byron Bay'. Karkalla at Home seeks to extend Mindy's expertise into the retail sector, offering a line of products like curry sauces, liqueurs, teas, and chai teas, all imbued with the distinctive qualities of native ingredients.
Chocolate On Purpose is a 100% Indigenous-led and owned business by Fiona Harrison, combining couverture chocolate with Australian native botanicals to create the Bush Food Chocolate range.
Bush to Bowl is a 100% owned indigenous social enterprise that seeks to foster healing and connection for First Nations People, aligning them with Country and traditional foodways.
Doug and Tracey are the husband and wife duo behind Indigenous-owned and led business, Native Oz Bushfoods which started some 16 years ago through their deep understanding of the importance of culture and native foods.
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Would you like to know more about Innovate at Charles Sturt?