A business growth program by the University of South Australia (UniSA) aims to support Aboriginal-owned companies to grow and scale, as it unveiled five First Nations businesses to be part of its first cohort.
The five First Nations companies are:
- KML Business Solutions: provider of high-quality accounting, bookkeeping and governance support services to both individuals and businesses, focusing on not-for-profits and Aboriginal organisations.
- Ochre Dawn: promoter of First Nations art, culture and heritage through artwork, corporate fit outs, uniforms, PPE, Reconciliation Action Plans and genuine engagement between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
- Pundi Produce: a sustainable aquaponic farm that grows entirely Indigenous Australian botanicals, organically grown Australian native fruit, vegetables and herbs, in their bitters.
- The Cryogenics Group: a medical and industrial gas delivery maintenance company.
- Yanun Project Services: a project services company that specialises in the planning, delivery and control of complex projects and programs across various markets including defence, transport, resources, utilities and social infrastructure.
The program is delivered by UniSA’s Australian Centre for Business Growth (AUCBG) in partnership with and funded by The Circle First Nations Entrepreneur Hub, South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the Government of Western Australia’s New Industries Fund.
The fully-funded program is for Aboriginal business owners, CEOs and managing directors of Aboriginal-owned companies who are looking to scale and sustainably grow their business, amidst the challenges they face in their business journey.
“Led by our Aboriginal Growth Expert Paul Brock, First Nations firms will be able to learn the skills and knowledge they need to grow and scale their companies in our face-to-face Growth Ramp,” AUCBG Director, Growth Expert, and Playford Chair of Business Growth, Professor Ryan Williams, said.
Investing in the growth and development of First Nations businesses is central to promoting self-sufficiency and economic empowerment for First Nations people and communities, according to The Circle’s Operations Manager Kelly May.
“This Growth Ramp program for First Nations companies creates a powerful peer learning experience, as participants share their business growth journeys and form a lifelong network with other entrepreneurs,” May said.
The Growth Ramp program is a demonstration of the University’s commitment to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovations, shares Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO.
“We’re excited to partner with The Circle to provide Aboriginal business owners in the Growth Ramp program the opportunity to realise their business growth aspirations,” Professor Hughes-Warrington said. “This is in alignment with ambitions articulated in our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and our Aboriginal Research Strategy.”
Minister for Small and Family Business Andrea Michaels added that building greater diversity within South Australia’s business community is a key focus of South Australia’s Small Business Strategy 2023-2030.
“Each of these First Nations-owned businesses has already forged a promising market opportunity in their respective sectors,” Minister Michaels said. “I am confident that participation in the Growth Ramp program will help these founders lead their teams to the next stage of business success.”
