Empowered Indigenous Innovators Set to Converge at Prestigious U.S. Conference
Jahna Cedar, Shannon McGuire, Kent Matla, Michael Wear, Governor of WA Chris Dawson AC APM, WA Minister for Innovation & the Digital Economy Stephen Dawson, Peter Rossdeutscher, Paula Taylor.
First Nations X is thrilled to unveil the recipients of the highly sought after scholarships for the WA to USA Accelerator, Indigenous Entrepreneur Mission 2024. This pioneering endeavor will empower Indigenous entrepreneurs with an opportunity to journey to Austin, Texas, from March 6-13, immersing themselves in the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) conference.
The integrated program is fully funded by the Western Australian Government Department of Jobs, Trade and Investment through their New Industries Fund. Significant support has been provided on the ground in Austin by WA Invest and Trade Commissioner, Natasha Monks, and her amazing team who have curated a full agenda of valuable activities and meetings for the delegates.
Recipients of the mission scholarships were announced at a high-profile reception comprising community leaders, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs and featuring Ministerial Mission lead, Stephen Dawson - Western Australian Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy. The event was hosted by the US Consul General to Western Australia, Siriana Nair who followed Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson AC APM in providing keynote introductions.
This initiative aims to foster robust connections and facilitate potential business collaborations and commerce between Australian First Nations entrepreneurs and prominent American corporations, enhancing economic ties between the United States and Western Australia.
The scholarships encompass travel, a SXSW Conference Badge, mentorship, a welcome trade program event, speaking opportunities and dedicated on-ground support from First Nations X and the State Government team, along with networking opportunities with prominent US firms both in Australia and Texas, enhancing the market expansion of the First Nations business ecosystem.
Delegates were chosen via a (EOI) evaluation, emphasizing the demonstration of WA entrepreneurship and innovation, preparedness for the US (and global) market, and the potential contribution of the business to the state.
Delegates of the First Nations Indigenous Entrepreneurship Mission comprise high-growth Indigenous businesses hailing from Western Australia. They embody a cross-section of the diverse industries in which First Nations businesses are thriving. They also draw from traditional owner regions from around the State with Michael Wear being a Mulgana man, Jahna Cedar a Nyiyaparli/Yindjibarndi woman, Shannon McGuire a Wadjuk, Yed and Balardong woman of the Nyoongar Nations, Raquel Todd a Banyjima and Kariyarra woman, Bart Pigram a Yawuru man and Kent Matla a Yamtji man living in Boorloo (Perth).
Michael Wear. Sea cucumber fishing business combining ancient Indigenous knowledge and culture, science, and innovation. Our resources also fight against climate change by supporting the restoration of the world's largest sea grass bed.
Raquel Todd. A majority owned and operated Aboriginal business composed of six different Traditional Owner families with beneficiaries belonging to the Palyku, Nyiyaparli, Banjima, Kariyarra, Nyamal and Yued peoples.
Kent Matla. A national Indigenous-led fund manager and business advisory organisation that connects investment markets with the Indigenous economy and provides a range of resources to Indigenous businesses.
Shannon McGuire. Creating a cultural and economic impact by championing the growth of Indigenous creative enterprises. Building a global platform through collaboration for Indigenous artists and creative businesses for success and cultural exchange.
Jahna Cedar OAM. Award winning, independently certified, majority Indigenous-owned consultancy business. Delivering innovative, focused services across Australia to create meaningful pathways for Indigenous people, businesses, and communities.
Bart Pigram. Heritage experiences sharing the beauty and richness of Broome’s natural environment, history and culture in Northern Western Australia. Tours in the ancient and historical sites in the UNESCO listed north-western regions of Western Australia.
Announcement Reception
Peter Rossdeutscher, Chairperson of First Nations X said; "The First Nations Indigenous Entrepreneur Mission provides a unique platform for showcasing excellence and fostering connections for business founders, strengthening collaboration between indigenous businesses and US potential markets, underscoring the potential of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs through collaboration.”
Paula Taylor, First Nations Co-Founder & Vice-Chair said, "This mission signifies a crucial step towards empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, providing a platform for them to thrive on a global stage. The scholarships not only provide access to SXSW but also include valuable training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, fostering the growth of the First Nations business community."
About First Nations X
First Nations X Ltd is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous Startup Ecosystems by bridging critical gaps in support, access, and visibility. The mission is to foster economic and social impact through showcasing capability, accelerating capacity and developing strategic collaboration.