This week, First Nations X announced the five recipients of scholarships for the WA to USA Accelerator Indigenous Entrepreneur Mission 2024. Funded by the Western Australian government, this initiative and scholarships will facilitate five Indigenous entrepreneurs to travel to Austin, Texas in March, including attendance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference.
The aim of the mission is to strengthen networks and potential commerce between Australian First Nations business owners and American corporations in both the US and Western Australia. First Nations X Indigenous Entrepreneurship Mission delegates include high-growth Indigenous businesses in Western Australia, providing them with a unique chance to expand into the lucrative United States market. The mission aims to showcase excellence, forge vital commerce networks, and bolster the market expansion of the First Nations business ecosystem.
Peter Rossdeutscher, Chairperson of First Nations X commented “The First Nations X Indigenous Entrepreneur Mission provides a unique platform for showcasing excellence and fostering connections for business founders. This initiative will strengthen collaboration between indigenous businesses and US potential markets, underscoring the potential of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs through collaboration.”
The integrated program was made possible with support from Invest and Trade Western Australia, alongside scholarship funding from the Cook Government’s New Industries Fund. Recipients were announced at a high-profile reception hosted by the US Consul General to Western Australia, Siriana Nair. Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson AC APM, and the Western Australian Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, Stephen Dawson, were in attendance and addressed the audience comprising community leaders, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs.
The delegates represent a sample of the broad range of industries in which First Nations businesses are excelling:
- Michael Wear. Sea cucumber fishing business combining ancient Indigenous knowledge and culture, science, and innovation. They also fight against climate change by supporting the restoration of the world’s largest sea grass bed.
- Raquel Todd. Majority-owned and operated Aboriginal business composed of six different Traditional Owner families with beneficiaries belonging to the Palyku, Nyiyaparli, Banjima, Kariyarra, Nyamal, and Yued peoples.
- Kent Matla. A national Indigenous-led fund manager and business advisory organisation that connects investment markets with the Indigenous economy and provides a range of resources to Indigenous businesses.
- Shannon McGuire. Creating a cultural and economic impact by championing the growth of Indigenous creative enterprises. Building a global platform through collaboration for Indigenous artists and creative businesses for success and cultural exchange.
- Jahna Cedar OAM. Award-winning, independently certified, majority Indigenous-owned consultancy business. Delivering innovative, focused services across Australia to create meaningful pathways for Indigenous people, businesses, and communities.
- Bart Pigram. Heritage experiences sharing the beauty and richness of Broome’s natural environment, history and culture in Northern Western Australia. Tours of the ancient and historical sites in the UNESCO-listed north-western regions of Western Australia.
Paula Taylor, First Nations Co-Founder and Vice-Chair stated, “This mission signifies a crucial step towards empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, providing a platform for them to thrive on a global stage. The scholarships not only provide access to SXSW but also include valuable training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, fostering the growth of the First Nations business community. “
To find more information, visit FirstNationsX.io.
