People and ideas, connected
Apply for one of 20 places in the First Nations Business Growth Program1
American Express is working alongside First Nations small businesses to connect you with the people, ideas.
and skills that can help you continue to grow. The First Nations Business Growth Program can help you build
your expertise and better connect with your community, customers, suppliers and employees.
The First Nations Business Growth program runs between November 2021 and November 2022. Entries close 5pm (AEST) 24 September 2021.
About the program
This is a unique opportunity for First Nations business owners to grow their business skills.
Here’s a quick look at what the program includes:
Expert 1:1
mentoring
Two hours a month with a handpicked Rare Birds mentor in a fully managed and supported program.
Business education
masterclasses
Six 90-minute classes delivered online by experts in finance, marketing, law, sales and strategy.
Networking
sessions
Facilitated online for mentees to connect and grow together, wherever they are in Australia.
First Nations Business Growth program runs between November 2021 and November 2022. Entries close 5pm (AEST) 24 September 2021
To find out more about the program:
If you have questions about the program or application process, please click here to set up a phone conversation with Gabrielle King, General Manager at Inspiring Rare Birds. We welcome your questions and feedback
Meet our program ambassador
Leah Cameron is a proud Palawa woman from Tasmania. She is Principal Solicitor, Owner and Director at Marrawah Law and was recently awarded Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year at Supply Nation’s 2021 Supplier Diversity Awards.
“I’m delighted to be program ambassador for the First Nations Business Growth Program. Participating in a mentoring program was incredibly beneficial for both my personal growth and for my business’ development"
Meet some of the mentors
Mentoring is based on a mutually beneficial relationship which focuses on building knowledge, skills, capacity and understanding to best support the learning of the mentee. Mentors are carefully selected based on skill-set, personality, experience and business needs. Prior to participation in the program, each mentor will undertake cultural capability training hosted by Big River Connections to ensure a culturally safe partnership.
Erez Rachamim
Co-founder & CEO
at tiiik
Kellie Dyer
Commercialisation and
Innovation Strategist at
Impact Innovation Group
Vivek Suri
Principal Consultant
at OpExcel
Pip Stocks
Founder, Hearsay Platform
and CEO and Founder,
Brandhook
Entry requirements
The program is open to all First Nations business owners in Australia who are:
The majority shareholder and owner of a Supply Nation-certified business
An established business with a minimum of 2 years in operation
An Australian citizen or permanent resident
Over 18 years of age
Applications close 5pm (AEST) 24 September 2021
Meet our artist
The evocative artwork featured above is by Kristie Peters, a proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington NSW.
Recently recognised by ACT NAIDOC as 2021 Artist of the Year, Kristie is the founder of Yarrudhamarra Creations, which provide opportunities for people to learn and experience the beauty of Australian Aboriginal art and culture.
Entry requirements
The program is open to all First Nations business owners in Australia who are:
A shareholder and/ or owner of a Supply Nation Certified business
An established business with a minimum of 2 years in operation
An Australian citizen or permanent resident
Over 18 years of age
Applications close 5pm (AEST) 24 September 2021
If you have questions about the program or application process, please click here to set up a phone conversation with Gabrielle King, General Manager at Inspiring Rare Birds. We welcome your questions and feedback.
Meet our artist
The evocative artwork featured above is by Kristie Peters, a proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington NSW.
Recently recognised by ACT NAIDOC as 2021 Artist of the Year, Kristie is the founder of Yarrudhamarra Creations, which provide opportunities for people to learn and experience the beauty of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.
About Rare Birds
Since 2014, Rare Birds has been providing business owners with high impact personal and professional development programs based on mentoring, education and community. Combined, these initiatives are advancing economic equality and driving diversity and innovation for Australian businesses.
Working with Supply Nation
Supply Nation works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to help shape today’s emerging and rapidly evolving Indigenous business sector. As a Supply Nation member, American Express is excited to be working alongside them to identify suitable Indigenous-owned businesses for the program.
Acknowledgment of Country
American Express acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and meet each day, throughout Australia. We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, whose ancestral lands and waters are where the American Express Australia headquarters now stands. American Express recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respect to past, present and future Elders and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Terms and Conditions
The promotion starts at 10:00am (AEST) on Tuesday 31st August and closes 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday 24th September 2021. The promoter is American Express Australia Limited. Judging will take place on Wednesday 29th September 2021 by a judging panel consisting of American Express, Rare Birds and First Nations representatives. Entry is open to Supply Nation Certified businesses. The winners will be notified by email and/or phone call by Friday 8th October 2021. Winners will be awarded one of 20 First Nations Business Growth Programs running from November 2021 to November 2022. The total Prize pool is valued at AU$37,980 and is made up of Twenty (20) x Rare Birds twelve (12) month First Nations Business Growth programs valued at AU$1,899 each. For full terms and conditions click here.
Congratulations to our 2021 cohort
Stephan Ballangarry (Tuff Yards), Juan Walker (Walkabout Cultural Adventures), Daniel Joinbee (Origin Project Management), Deborah Hoger (Riley Callie Resources), Leanne Sanders (Visual Dreaming), Leroy Wilkinson-Maher (Dhiira), Clinton Scott-Knight (NITES), James Russo (NPM Indigenous), Michelle Deshong (Michelle Deshong & Associates), Bob Williams (Yarn Strong Sista), Bianca Stawiarski (Warida Wholistic Wellness), Bobby Wehrman (Fast Scaff), James Curran (MOEC), John Camm (Rainy Day Recruitment), Jesse Thomson (JC Promotions & Apparel), Luke Gordon (Copperhead Industrial), Fiona Harrison (Chocolate On Purpose), Mundanara Bayles (BlackCard), Jay Walton (Custom Made Workwear).