First Nations X (FNX) is a not-for-profit organisation focused on empowering Indigenous Startup Businesses by bridging critical gaps in ecosystem support. Our mission is to foster economic and social impact within Indigenous communities through strategic connections to capital funding providers, potential corporate clients, and collaborators.

First Nations businesses provide significant benefits for individuals, communities and economies. Our goal is to facilitate a thriving Indigenous startup sector across Australia that contributes to broad economic prosperity and cultural well-being.

The Indigenous business sector is significant, with >12,000 businesses across Australia, turning over >$2 billion per year. From arts to accounting, bush foods to building services, cleaning to consulting, and telecommunications to technology. it is Indigenous businesses that are rapidly diversifying and growing at an exponential rate. 

They are up to 100x more likely to employ Indigenous Australians, and they diversify economic outcomes and contribute towards social and cultural well-being. Entrepreneurship is a viable pathway to employment and has high flow-on benefits to customers, staff, suppliers and the local community.  

First Nations X helps these ventures to start, grow and expand through investment readiness, connecting to capital and leveraging collaboration. Expanding the indigenous startup ecosystem, we showcase successful First Nations businesses, plus connect other organisations who are also supporting these economic pathways. This is all delivered through masterclass workshops, capability mentoring, and showcase events.

Watch a short video to learn about us

First Nations X: Programme of Events

First Nations businesses provide significant benefits for individuals, communities and economies.  They are up to 100x more likely to employ Indigenous Australians, and they diversify economic outcomes and contribute towards social and cultural well-being. 

  • The growth of Aboriginal businesses and business leaders is essential to all industries. First Nations X plays an important role in providing connections, showcasing excellence and building pathways whilst promoting collaboration across borders. The circular nature of this benefits communities and supports the fusion of traditional and future-industries knowledge.

    Prof. Peter Rossdeutscher. Atomic Sky. Chair, First Nations X and the Advisory Boards ofQuantum Girls and AROSE.

  • The networking and stories shared were particularly valuable, being told through a lens of First Nations groups and individuals. As these ventures flourish, they will provide opportunities for scaling operations. This in turn fuels economic growth and job creation, ultimately resulting in increased empowerment within local communities and young people.

    Florence Drummond. Founder, Kara Ged and Indigenous Women in Mining & Resources Australia (IWIMRA)

  • First Nations X is passionate about providing masterclasses, training, and opportunities to connect Indigenous Australians with resources to grow entrepreneurship. Facilitating these pathways enables those businesses to scale their operations and thereby increase economic and social empowerment in and across local communities

    Paula Taylor. Cofounder, Cofounder & Vice Chair, West Tech Fest. First Nations X and 32 Degrees South.

  • Supporting the growth of indigenous businesses for a more equitable and prosperous society benefits all. Unique insights brought by First Nations people can contribute to innovative solutions and enrich a collective knowledge base. The growth of their businesses plays a pivotal role in intergenerational wealth creation; helping to bridge economic disparity.

    Kent Matla, First Australians Capital. Australian Innovation Management Institute. Blak Angels Investment Network,

Collaborators