First Nations Foundation launches 'Fireside Yarn' event series to boost Indigenous entrepreneurship

Joseph Guenzler Published October 13, 2023 at 5.00pm (AWST)

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Benson Saulo of First Australians Capital is among one of four panel members at Fireside Yarn 2023. (Image: supplied)

The First Nations Foundation has initiated the 'Fireside Yarn' series, a program designed to empower entrepreneurs with financial knowledge.

This event series, called First Nations Business Fireside Yarns, commences in Victoria and supports entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their businesses.

The inaugural event will be held on October 25th in Naarm (Melbourne) from 5:30pm - 8:00pm, focusing on "Accessing Capital."

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners and entrepreneurs across Victoria are encouraged to participate and learn from a panel of finance experts.

The panel includes representatives from Indigenous Business Australia, NAB Business Banking, First Australians Capital, and Ochre Ventures.

During the events, panelists will discuss various types of capital, when it's necessary to secure capital for business endeavours, and how First Nations business owners in Victoria can access funding.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with panel members directly during networking sessions and refreshments.

The First Nations Foundation, known for reuniting Indigenous Australians with over $25 million in superannuation and creating the world's first Indigenous-led online financial literacy program, is committed to advancing financial well-being for Indigenous Australians.

Research conducted in 2019 by the Foundation revealed that only 1 in 10 Indigenous Australians are financially secure, compared to 1 in 2 non-Indigenous individuals, with nearly half facing severe financial stress.

"Entrepreneurship is a promising pathway for our people to enrich their lives, strengthen their families and participate in the development of their communities," said First Nations Foundation CEO, Phil Usher.

"Our Fireside Yarn is bringing experts together with First Nations entrepreneurs from across Victoria who are seeking capital for their business.

"It's an opportunity for businesses to network and learn from the experts who work in this area of finance, and who have been through the process of raising capital themselves."