Indigenous businesses have the ‘grit’ to make it in global markets
Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies are learning about international trade and investment through the Australian-sponsored ‘Growing Indigenous Businesses Through Trade’ (GRIT) program.
Almost 40 entrepreneurs have participated in the program so far, including from Australia, Canada, Chile, Chinese Taipei, México, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. Participants represent a range of sectors, including food and beverage, skincare, and business services such as wedding planning. GRIT activities include group instructions, peer-to-peer discussions and networking, and one-on-one coaching. Participants build a practical understanding of how to undertake international trade and make connections with business guest-speakers, as a first step to creating a supportive ecosystem. The program has underscored the common challenges Indigenous businesses face, including a lack of access to finance, difficulty finding trustworthy partners and distribution channels, understanding contracts, and gathering and making sense of market intelligence.
However, they also face additional unique challenges, such as logistics for those in remote locations, access to infrastructure (such as reliable internet connections), and limited resources to promote and protect cultural assets. They often find difficulty in identifying contacts, especially within governments, for international trade advice and support. Participants who have completed the GRIT program have welcomed new business connections and reported an increased confidence to participate in trade shows, strengthen business models and pursue further innovations. The GRIT program is delivered through APEC by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Department of the Treasury, and the Export Council of Australia. Australia’s engagement in APEC continues to prioritise inclusive growth and the economic empowerment of Indigenous Peoples.
Every successful Indigenous business chips away a little more at the stereotypes of Indigenous people, so if I can be successful and contribute to that, it makes me very happy. And if my efforts are a model to younger mob looking for a way to make their mark in the world, then my job here is done.
Fiona Harrison Chocolate on Purpose
GRIT alumni: Fiona Harrison, Chocolate on Purpose, Australia Fiona founded Chocolate on Purpose after discovering the healing power of Australian native botanicals.
ingredients from Indigenous producers wherever possible. Fiona has secured funds for growth through crowd- sourcing campaigns, and is looking for further capital to acquire productive assets so she can scale from artisan to commercial. She would like to start exporting, with Singapore as an immediate market in mind. Fiona felt that the APEC GRIT initiative provided her with the fundamentals and the connections to become a successful exporter.
She embarked on a mission to re-learn the ways of her ancestors and share the healing power of botanicals with others. Fiona is building on the tradition of Indigenous women being the holders of plant knowledge who share insights through storytelling. She incorporates Wiradyuri language in marketing and packaging, ethically sources chocolate and is building an Indigenous-led supply chain by purchasing botanical
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business envoy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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