First Nations Business Fireside Yarn 2023 – Accessing Capital

FNF invites you to the First Nations Business Fireside Yarn 2023 - the first in a series of regular professional development and networking events for Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs in Victoria

To kick off, we're discussing all things capital! What are the different types of capital available? When do you need (or not need) it? What avenues to access capital are available to YOU as an Indigenous business owner in Victoria?

You'll hear from our panel of finance industry experts who'll be yarning practical steps you can take NOW to get your business to the next level no matter what stage you're at, with opportunities to ask questions and connect with our panel members in a more casual setting afterwards.

THE DETAILS:

Wednesday 25 October 2023. Arrive at 5:30pm for a 6pm Welcome to Country and panel start, followed by Post Panel Networking with canapes and drinks from 7:15pm.

QT Melbourne, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD.

Arrive via main entrance and head up the stairs to meet the FNF team for check in and to receive your special event goodie bag.

*This is a FREE event for Indigenous business owners based in Victoria but you MUST register. We have a travel and accommodation subsidy available of up to $200 per business, as well as reduced room rates at the QT Melbourne hotel to enable Mob from across Victoria to attend. Let us know in your ticket registration if you would benefit from this.

Only 50 spots available – make sure to get in quick!

Don’t forget to share this event with your networks!

OUR EXPERTS:

Benson Saulo

Managing Partner, First Australians Capital

Benson Saulo is a descendant of the Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara Aboriginal nations of Western Victoria, and New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea. Appointed in 2021, Benson was the first Indigenous person to be appointed an Australian Consul-General and Senior Trade and Investment Commission, delivered the Australian Governments diplomacy, economic and trade agenda in the US.

Benson has a background in banking, economic development and social impact, which provides a strong foundation for his role as Managing Partner at First Australians Capital, an Indigenous-led investment fund and Indigenous business advisor.

In 2011, Benson was appointed the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations in which he undertook a national engagement tour to gain a deeper understanding of issues impacting Australian youth. Benson then represented Australian youth at the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly as an accredited member of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Benson was named National NAIDOC Youth of the Year in 2014, and a finalist for Young Australian of the Year (VIC), and the Human Rights Medal for Youth by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Remy Crick

Investment Manager, Ochre Ventures

Remy Crick is a proud Worimi woman, who grew up on Dharawal country on the New South Wales south coast. Remy currently works on Gadigal land in Sydney, as Investment Manager at Ochre Ventures, a fund that backs businesses with high Indigenous impact. Outside of her day-to-day role, she is both the Founder of the Supply Nation-registered business Axel Vodka, Founder of the not-for-profit Nextmove, and is also an Investment Committee member of Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator. With a background in finance, product development, property and early childhood education and care, Remy is passionate about creating innovative solutions to better support the economic development of First Nations people in a holistic way.

Noel Prakash

National Head of Indigenous Business and Community Banking, National Australia Bank

Noel’s financial services career spans more than 20 years, working at National Australia Bank and Commonwealth Bank. A dedicated leader and a visionary, Noel has in-depth experience in developing, managing, and mentoring high performing sales, product and banking teams across a range of sectors and disciplines.

As National Head of Indigenous Business Banking at NAB, Noel cultivated a profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous businesses and communities. His passion for fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency among Indigenous communities has driven him to collaborate and create innovative financial solutions and partnerships. Under Noel’s leaderships, NAB Business Banking and Indigenous entrepreneurs have found a steadfast advocate who is tirelessly working to bridge the gap in smarter access to capital and resources.

His strategic initiatives and collaborative approach has not only empowered Indigenous businesses to thrive but to have strengthened the overall economic landscape. His commitment to cultural sensitivity and deep respect for traditions of Indigenous Communities sets him apart as a leader who understands that successful businesses is not just about financial transaction but about building meaningful relationships that fosters sustainable growth.

Noel is actively involved with a range of programs aimed at fostering positive economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians including NAB’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan. He is passionate about creating systemic change to ensure Indigenous people can have the opportunity to become financially and economically independent. As Board Director with Foundation for Sustainable Health (FISH), Noel is involved in efforts to break the intergenerational cycles of trauma, poverty and engagement. He also holds an executive Board position with ID KnowYourself, a children’s out of home care charity in (greater Sydney) that focuses on supporting young Aboriginal people to establish belonging, discover purpose and empower for positive choices.

Born in Fiji, Noel moved to Australia at the age sixteen to complete his schooling and tertiary education and calls the Dharug country home.

Greg Ellis

Associate Director Business Solutions, Indigenous Business Australia

Greg Ellis is the Associate Director of Business Solutions at Indigenous Business Australia (IBA). Greg has been a member of the Business Solutions team for almost 6 years, his primary responsibilities lie in the business development and portfolio management functions of the Business Solutions Program. He has experience in the Indigenous Business sector, to which IBA’s commitment and participation make a meaningful contribution to economic development, and outcomes for Indigenous entrepreneurs at all stages of the business life cycle. Greg has had a long career in financial services and has over 20 years of experience in Leadership and Management. This year, Greg was the recipient of IBA’s Naidoc and Elm Tree awards, recognising his contribution to IBA customers and Indigenous communities.