Program overview
Who is it for?
The First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovative businesses in Queensland who are established and looking to scale.
What are the grant/program objectives?
The First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program is a key program in the Innovation Division’s portfolio to empower mature First Nations’ businesses to scale and grow.
It accelerates business deals, through knowledge, funding, and connection into the prominent financial networks of First Australians Capital, and their partners; Queensland Investment Council (QIC), Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN), Queensland Treasury, and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
These empowered First Nations’ businesses can prepare to attract new investors, expanding their reach, and creating more jobs — a testament to the strength and vitality of the First Nations’ contribution to Queensland's economy.
The program is managed by First Australians Capital (FAC) – a national First Nations-led organisation that builds investment readiness and designs the right capital solutions for First Nations’ businesses to thrive.
What does it involve?
The program offers a staged approach to assist mature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and innovators to grow while also providing a framework and guidance for success.
This includes supporting First Nations’ peoples to leverage their unique cultural knowledge and perspectives in the new economies.
What are the grant/program goals?
- Bridge the economic gap by supporting First Nations’ businesses to grow Queensland’s economy
- Create a more inclusive and diverse economic landscape
- Engage and benefit Regional Queensland
- Create new jobs — now and into the future.
What will recipients get?
Support under the program includes:
- Impact Investment: investment grants up to $100,000 to Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovative businesses looking to accelerate. The grants will help First Nations’ businesses pursue innovation and take calculated risks, supporting their growth and wealth creation
- Business Strategic Advisory Services: a targeted fund to cover costs of essential business strategic advisory services. A dedicated project leader will support First Nations’ founders and companies in areas of fundamental business skills, legal, finance, marketing, mentoring, and grant and tender writing.
How do you apply?
To make enquiries, visit the First Australians Capital website.