Why we should listen and invest in First Nations’ Businesses

First Nations businesses are driven by cultural, social, and community-led goals, bringing value far beyond financial returns.

This is a key message from our latest research paper.

First Nations’ businesses are driven by values that prioritise intergenerational change, culture, and identity.

We recently presented an online event, New Research: The True Value of First Nations’ Enterprises. The panel of First Nations business owners shared their personal insights into how their businesses bring opportunities to communities.

Leanne, founder and CEO of Visual Dreaming, a community-based organisation focused on youth empowerment, she shared about her work with young people, “It takes a community to raise our young people, especially our young people in care. Through community-based enterprise, we're building communities around our young people to dream and thrive for the future.” Leanne shared how their youth hub is more than a service, it’s a place where young people receive not only mentorship but also cultural grounding, connecting with Elders, and celebrate their milestones together.

Raymond Walters, Managing Director or Penangke Cultural Consultants, and an advocate for grassroots community investment, shared that “We have this motto, we push for the bush, a lot of our work is based on making sure that communities can thrive as well.” He also highlighted that these enterprises address the desire of many First Nations’ people to remain on homelands rather than relocate to urban centers for economic opportunities.

Irene Stanley, founder of First Class Finish and Indigenous Women in Trades, reflected on her experience creating pathways for Indigenous women in the trades. Her business opens doors for women in industries where they're often underrepresented. She said, “I've met a lot of Indigenous women that are qualified painters, carpenters and brick layers, and we just want to start sharing those stories so they can encourage the younger generation to say, hey... there's all these opportunities out there.”

Lead researcher Donna-Maree Stephens presented findings from the study, highlighting that First Nations’ community-based enterprises not only drive economic development but also build culturally safe workplaces that strengthen identity and belonging. The research revealed that First Nations’ enterprises are vital for community well-being, offering holistic support that extends beyond financial outcomes to create spaces of empowerment and pride.

Supporting First Nations’ businesses requires a collaborative approach. Government support is essential, but businesses, philanthropic organisations, and community organisations must also work together to create an ecosystem that supports the growth of First Nations’ enterprises.

If you missed our online event, you can watch it here.

The release of our research paper is an invitation to government and Australians nationwide to join the conversation about the true value of First Nations’ Enterprises and how we can better support them, so we can all continue to play our part in strengthening First Nations’ communities. 

How can we best support First Nations’ enterprises? What’s working for them, what are the barriers? Let’s get their voices heard, making a case for greater tailored support and investment. 

At Community First Development, we listen to understand, and then respond with action. 

For more details on the report findings, visit New Research: The True Value of First Nations Enterprises.  

We welcome First Nations’ enterprises interested in sharing their stories and contributing to further research, to reach out to our team at communications@communityfirstdevelopment.org.au