🌺 BDWE Sistas Kaimel Business Gathering🌺

✨ Event Description

💎 Sistas Kaimel Business Gathering

Thursday 22nd October – Friday 23rd October, 2026
📍 Thursday Island (Torres Strait)

The BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment (BDWE) Sistas Kaimel Business Gathering is a powerful two-day event held during Indigenous Business Month (IBM) — a time dedicated to celebrating, strengthening, and elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Australia.

This gathering has been intentionally aligned with IBM to ensure Torres Strait Islander women in the region are part of a national movement of First Nations entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic empowerment.

This is BDWE’s 2nd Sistas in Business Event, bringing together women from across the Torres Strait Islands and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) to step into business with confidence, cultural strength, and community connection.

🌊 What is Sistas Kaimel?

Sistas Kaimel is a dedicated, women-only business gathering created for Torres Strait Islander women who are:

• Exploring a business idea

• Starting a small business

• Wanting to grow a hobby into income

• Looking for clarity, direction, and support

This is more than a workshop — it’s a movement.

A movement of Torres Strait Islander women standing strong in business and leadership, shaping a future grounded in:

• Economic independence

• Cultural pride

• Community empowerment

🌊 Purpose

✨ To align Torres Strait Islander women with the national momentum of Indigenous Business Month, creating visibility, opportunity, and connection to the broader First Nations business landscape

✨ To empower women to explore business pathways, unlock their potential, and grow sustainable ventures

✨ To connect Sistas in Business—from aspiring entrepreneurs to emerging founders—for shared learning, collaboration, and support

✨ To provide culturally grounded business education that blends Indigenous values with modern business practices

✨ To contribute to building a strong, connected ecosystem of First Nations women in business across Queensland, addressing barriers such as isolation, limited access to resources, and economic inequality

🌴 Why This Matters

Across our Torres Strait and NPA communities, many women face:

• Geographic isolation

• Limited access to business support and networks

• Systemic barriers and inequality

• High unemployment and fewer economic opportunities

Sistas Kaimel is about changing that narrative.

This gathering creates a culturally safe space where women can come together to learn, connect, and grow, while being supported to build businesses that strengthen their families and communities.

🌴 What You’ll Gain

By attending, you will:

✅ Learn how to take your first steps into business or grow your idea
✅ Build confidence through culturally grounded workshops and storytelling
✅ Connect with other Torres Strait Islander women in business
✅ Access mentors, networks, and support pathways
✅ Receive guidance on business opportunities, funding, and next steps
✅ Be part of a growing movement of empowered First Nations women in business

📌 Important Information

Eligibility:
Torres Strait Islander women only (aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, or hobby-based businesses)

Age Limit:
18 years and older
Children aged 5+ are not permitted
Babies may attend, however no childminding services will be provided

Spots Available:
Limited to 25 women only

Travel & Accommodation:
Support will be provided for women travelling from outer islands and the NPA to Thursday Island

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend?
Torres Strait Islander women from the Torres Strait and NPA regions who are starting or exploring business.

Is this for established businesses?
No — this gathering is focused on early-stage journeys and small business development.

Can I bring my children?
Children aged 5+ cannot attend. Babies may attend with their mothers, but no childminding will be available.

Is support available for outer island participants?
Yes — travel and accommodation support will be provided.

How many places are available?
Only 25 women will be selected.

When do Expressions of Interest close?
EOIs close Friday 28th August, 2026.

📝 Register Your Expression of Interest

If you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey and be part of something bigger during Indigenous Business Month, we encourage you to apply.

👉 [Register Your EOI Here] (Humanitix link placeholder)

💎 Hosted by BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment (BDWE)

A 100% First Nations women-led social impact organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from healing to empowerment through:

• Business development

• Personal growth

• Leadership

• Economic independence

🌐 https://blaqdiamondswe.com.au/