First Nations business owners, entrepreneurs, organisations and business support services came together for the Naggangbi* Business Connect at Botany Town Hall on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
After a Welcome to Country by Aunty Barb, attendees gained insights from a panel discussion from successful First Nations business owners, Peter Cooley from IndigiGrow and Merindah Funnel from Merindah Funnel Art. The discussion was facilitated by Greg Hodgkinson from First Innovators.
Panellists shared their motivations for starting their own business, challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them, and tips for starting and running a business.
The rest of the day saw local First Nations business owners and entrepreneurs network and connect with attending business support providers, including representatives from YARPA, Supply Nation, Many Rivers, First Innovators, NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Indigenous Business Australia, Business Chamber South, Workskil, and Service NSW.
Attendees were able to network, share knowledge and experiences, swap tips and learn how to grow a thriving First Nations business.
*Naggangbi means ‘Hello’ or ‘Greetings’ in Dharawal, the traditional language spoken in Coastal Sydney.