• Seven First Nations businesses complete the Charles Sturt First Nations Entrepreneur Program
  
• Charles Sturt’s AgriPark hosted the 10-week program for First Nations entrepreneurs to grow their business ventures
• This year’s program culminated in a showcase on Monday 23 September in Wagga Wagga

A Charles Sturt University program has provided seven First Nations entrepreneurs with the skills and encouragement to explore their business ideas to make an impact in their communities.

Charles Sturt’s Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) is running the First Nations Entrepreneurs Program for the second year through Innovate at Charles Sturt.

The University is collaborating with The Scale Institute to run the First Nations Entrepreneurs Program, a free 10-week program for First Nations small business owners or entrepreneurs to expand their ideas using traditional knowledge.

The program offers participants the chance to ensure their ideas resonate culturally and commercially as they build their capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurial methods.

Charles Sturt’s Director of Innovation Programs Ms Jo Palmer said this year’s program features a diverse range of businesses, ranging from creative industries to high-vis workwear, all led by passionate First Nations entrepreneurs who are committed to innovation and cultural impact.

“The program has played a role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills within the First Nations community, as part of Charles Sturt University’s commitment to social responsibility and empowering First Nations led businesses to contribute to economic growth,” she said.

“Celebrating First Nations businesses is essential for showcasing Indigenous innovation, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations, while promoting economic self-determination and cultural pride.”

This year’s participants include:

• Luke Penrith – Founder and Director of Luke Penrith Arts and Designs, from the Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin, and Gumbaynggirr Nations
• Fiona Harrison – Founder and Creator of Chocolate on Purpose and a proud Wiradyuri woman, based on Gundungurra Country
• Natasha ‘Tash’ Kaiser – Founder and Creator of Wurrumuy Collective and a proud Gomeroi woman, based on Ngunnawal Country
• Max Lyons – Founder and Creator of Murrawalirra and a proud Wiradjuri man from Wagga Wagga
• Ashleigh Pengelly – Founder of Little Black Duck and a proud Wiradjuri woman
• Maxine Honeysett – Founder of Little Emus and a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri woman
• Ryder McDonnell – Founder of Ngarringarri Vibrations and a proud Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa man

Participant Ms Fiona Harrison was inspired by the healing properties of Australian native botanicals and used that to inspire her business idea. Her training as a chocolatier sparked the idea to do this through immersive storytelling with chocolate.

She founded Chocolate on Purpose in 2012 and joined the First Nations Entrepreneurs Program to be part of a group looking at business through a First Nations lens.

“The contribution of First Nations businesses is not just monetary, there is also the story of self-determination through the vehicle of businesses, especially in regional Australia,” she said.

“The sharing of Cultural knowledge is crucial to the world’s oldest continuing culture. If this isn’t worth highlighting and celebrating, then what is?”

Ms Harrison said she values the connections she has made while participating in the program, within the Charles Sturt campuses, Scale Institute and other mob in business.

Participant Max Lyons from Wagga Wagga started making jewellery as a hobby while battling with mental health issues.

He wanted to enrol in the program as it was a great way to expand his creative outlet into a business.

“I think it's important to celebrate and highlight First Nations businesses and initiatives, as we are often overlooked and also don't think it's possible,” he said.

“This program, and other initiatives, highlight that we can be successful, and that we can build each other up to build success.”

The program commenced with a two-day learning circle in Wagga Wagga in early August before participants attended weekly online sessions through August and September with The Scale Institute, a First Nations owned and led organisation, for regular mentoring.

The Showcase event was held at the Charles Sturt Playhouse in Wagga Wagga on Monday 23 September to mark the conclusion of the program.