Three First Nations entrepreneurs have been announced as recipients of Ember Connect's latest Game Changer Grants program, which are designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to launch and grow small businesses.
Belinda Cashman, Masepa Manai and Sharon Leisk have each been awarded $5000 to support their Indigenous-owned enterprises
Ms Manai has received support to grow MANAI Wellness & Nutrition Inc, a First Nations women led social enterprise delivering mobile personal training, post-natal programs and women only community workouts.
At the heart of the business is Tjanabi, a native wattle seed energy drink designed to provide calm, sustained energy. The grant will support compliant pilot production, equipment and brand development to strengthen and scale delivery.
Support has also been granted to Belinda Cashman to develop Giilang Yindyamarra - Respectful Stories, a culturally authentic games initiative, including an Aboriginal themed "Guess Who?" style game celebrating identity, language and storytelling.
The concept combines cultural education and health awareness, with an existing partnership supporting production and distribution. The grant funding will contribute to prototype development and launch.
Sharon Leisk's Jindaya — a community-led digital skills initiative supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women into practical technology pathways that do not require a university degree — has also received support.
Jindaya delivers culturally safe, flexible training in foundational digital literacy and low code platforms, with wrap around support and community co-design.The pilot program aims to build confidence, job ready skills and clear pathways into further training, employment or small business opportunities.
The most recent round of funding focused on women with early stage business ideas or those seeking to strengthen and scale existing enterprises.
Interest in the program was strong, Ember Connet said, with applications received from First Nations women across the country.
Ember Connect General Manager, Narelle Henry, said the strength and diversity of applications reflects the depth of innovation within First Nations women led enterprise.
"These grants are about backing women with bold, practical ideas that respond directly to community need," Ms Henry said. "Each of these businesses has the potential to create meaningful social impact while building sustainable economic pathways."
"We are excited to be able to support these women at pivotal moments in their journey."
The Game Changer Grants are delivered through Ember Connect's partnership with BHP, whose support continues to strengthen opportunities for First Nations women entrepreneurs.
