Brian to take entrepreneurial lead

An organisation focused on empowering economic independence and selfdetermination has secured $15 million to support Indigenous entrepreneurs.

First Australians Capital (FAC) has also appointed Torres Strait Islander Brian Wyborn (pictured right) as a managing partner in the organisation.

Mr Wyborn will lead the organisation’s investment and funds management activities from Brisbane.

“It is an exciting time to be joining First Australians Capital as we scale our fund and impact for Indigenous businesses,” he said.

“Our Catalytic Capital Impact Fund is just one example of the enthusiasm and drive the team and our investors have in supporting Indigenous-led businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Having worked with Indigenous communities and organisations for the last decade, I have seen first-hand the impact that strong financial advice and support can have on an organisation and its entire community.

“I am thrilled to be able to apply my skills to FAC as they expand their reach to more Indigenous-led businesses through this fund and other upcoming initiatives.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge FAC’s founders, Leah Armstrong, Adrian Appo, Jocelyn King and Jane Pound, for their incredible work leading First Australians Capital to where it is today, and their decades long contribution to supporting Indigenous businesses and our communities.

“I have very big shoes to fill and am excited to begin working with the team to continue bringing innovative Indigenous-led businesses to market in financially sustainable ways.”

First Australians Capital was conceptualised in the early 2000’s to promote and support Indigenous business and enterprise as a way for Indigenous people to become economically independent.

Since 2016, FAC has supported over 700 Indigenous businesses and leveraged $68 million in cumulative funding for Indigenous businesses.

In the financial year ending 2022, FAC delivered more than 8000 hours of support for Indigenous businesses, and supported 201 Indigenous businesses, of which, 45 per cent were female-led and 42 per cent were in regional and rural locations.

The main sectors that sought support from FAC were in construction, arts and recreation, retail and professional services.

FAC’s 10-year strategy focuses on making FAC a catalyst for radical change in investment markets.

By 2031, FAC aims to contribute to the Indigenous business sector tripling in size and seeing $1 billion in mainstream capital leveraged for investment in Indigenous businesses and communities.