Dear Yarpa Community,
As we reflect on October and Indigenous Business Month, we are filled with a deep sense of pride in the progress we continue to make together. This year’s theme, “Making Our Mark,” speaks to the momentum building within our communities and the significant contributions we are making across industries. One of the standout moments for us was celebrating the dedication and achievements of our Yarpa Grow participants. It’s been a privilege to watch them transform throughout the program, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished. These graduates are making their mark on their industries, and we’re excited to continue supporting them as they take their businesses to the next level.
Our Meet the Buyer event was a true highlight, where over 380 strategically matched meetings took place between First Nations suppliers and 27 buyers from across the corporate, industry, and government sectors. In just three hours, we facilitated 96 hours of impactful meetings, providing our members with direct access to key decision-makers and creating invaluable opportunities for growth. This event is a demonstration of our purpose to strengthen the First Nations business sector and contribute to socio-economic prosperity through capability, connection, and culture.
The pace of the month was fast and full of incredible moments, from Meet the Buyer to the Yarpa Grow Graduation, and numerous other events. A big shout-out to our team for their hard work in making it all happen. Their dedication to our purpose, and their commitment to helping our members succeed, was evident in every event. Whether facilitating matchmaking, supporting our graduates, or attending community events, they were constantly on the move, building connections and paving the way for even more opportunities for First Nations businesses.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about our upcoming Capability Statement Workshop in December, where we’ll continue equipping businesses with the tools to stand out and succeed in the competitive marketplace. As always, our focus is on empowering First Nations businesses to thrive, build stronger networks, and create lasting change for our communities.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for being a key part of this journey. Together, we are making our mark and shaping a brighter future for First Nations business.
Warm regards,
Shannon Mallison
How to Develop a Capability Statement Workshop
YARPA HUB | LIVERPOOL
Do you want to stand out from the crowd?
This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to develop a high-quality capability statement that will make you stand out and be noticed.
Date and time: Thu, 12 Dec 2024 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Yarpa Hub Level 7, 203-209 Northumberland Street Liverpool, NSW 2170
This FREE 3hr face to face workshop will give you the tools you need to create an effective business capability statement. It will step you through the key elements of what to include in your capability statement and ensure you are able to clearly articulate your business’ core competencies.
Help Shape YARPA's Support
HAVE YOUR SAY
At Yarpa, we are committed to delivering services that meet the needs of our members and community. To better understand your training and development needs, we’re inviting you to take 5 minutes to complete our Skills Scan. Your input is vital in helping us improve our services and ensure they meet your needs.
This scan will help us:
- Enhance our business support services
- Tailor our training and development services to the needs of our community
- Strengthen our industry and strategic partnerships
Your responses will remain confidential and will directly inform how we can best support your community’s growth.
Thank you for walking with us to empower First Nations communities. Let’s get started – simply click the link below to participate!
Mid-Session Networking Event
CONNECTION AND CULTURE
Towards the end of August our 2024 Yarpa Grow participants gathered at our Hub for the mid-session networking event which shone a spotlight on the importance of relationships in business.
Participants were provided an opportunity to build capability through connection and culture. They were able to strengthen connections with each other and their Western Sydney Uni business consultants whilst establishing new connections with our special guests from Austrade, Gallagher and Western Sydney Business Connection.
Our delivery partner, Western Sydney University (WSU), brought their commitment to business excellence and First Nations empowerment to the forefront.
Business consultants Richard Abela and Warren Day facilitated breakout groups with participants to:
- Strengthen connection and networking
- Form new partnerships
- Gain insights from each other
Throughout the day we all refueled by the incredible food provided by Plate Events, before the day was concluded with a cultural activity, allowing everyone to recalibrate and reenergise as they head into the second half of the program.
Yarpa Grow Class of 2024
CONGRATS TO ALL OUR GRADUATES
- Asquith Workforce
- Bamba Burralgas Pty Ltd
- BRC Roofing and Cladding
- Dabba-Malang Yirren
- Eather Group Pty Ltd
- First Nations Traffic Management
- Glow Sky Media Pty Ltd
- HPG Solutions Pty Ltd
- Midnight Dreaming
- Murrawalirra
- Neon Marketing
- NGNU
- Ngurrbul Collection
- On Point Allied Health
- Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Two Cockatoos Cultural Consultancy
- Yaali Collective
- Yinarr Wellness and Education Foundation
Over the course of the program, the Yarpa team had the opportunity to watch our participants transform, learn, and flourish. The dedication and hard work demonstrated by the entire cohort was commendable, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every graduate.
Watch the video to relive the highlights of this incredible journey. To our graduates: This is just the beginning. Take what you’ve learned and soar to new heights!
Yarpa Grow Graduation Booklet 2024
FEATURING BUSINESS PROFILES
The Yarpa Grow Graduation Booklet 2024 provides an overview of our esteemed program, highlighting the dedication and achievements of First Nations entrepreneurs who participated this year. Inside, you will find detailed profiles of each business, showcasing their product and service offerings, innovative approaches and contributions to the community.
This resource celebrates our commitment to fostering self-determination and sustainable growth within the First Nations Business Sector. We champion the accomplishments of our graduates and their potential to drive positive change in their respective industries.
About Yarpa Grow
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST NOW OPEN FOR 2025
Overview:
Yarpa Grow is our signature 10-week business accelerator program, proudly delivered in partnership with Western Sydney University. This university certified micro-credential is designed to empower First Nations businesses in NSW, fostering sustainable growth and success through specialised training, mentorship, and resources.
Join us in 2025:
Express your interest for Yarpa Grow 2025 below and be the first to know when applications are open again.
A Day of Connection and Collaboration!
📍 COMMBANK STADIUM
We’re still buzzing from the energy of our recent Meet the Buyer 2024 Event! This year’s event was a fantastic opportunity to connect talented First Nations businesses with corporate, industry, and government buyers, fostering collaboration and creating pathways for growth.
The Yarpa team dedicated 450 hours to facilitating 378 strategic matches between 27 buyers from industry, corporate, and government sectors and 58 First Nations business suppliers. In just 3 hours, 96 hours of productive meetings took place!
Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful one-on-one meetings, enjoyed vibrant networking over lunch, explored our new marketplace and were entertained by the fabulous Sharnee Fenwick while shining a spotlight on the capacity and capability of our members.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this event such a success. Your enthusiasm and collaboration are laying the foundation for even more opportunities in the future.
Looking ahead to Meet the Buyer 2025? It’s never too early to express your interest. Be sure to secure your spot below.
Meet the Buyer Supplier Handbook 2024
SHOWCASING OUR MEMBERS
The Meet the Buyer handbook 2024 showcases a diverse range of Aboriginal-owned businesses that participated in this year’s Meet the Buyer event, spanning industries such as construction, consulting, cultural services, eco-friendly design, recruitment, technology, and more.
Each business listing provides a brief overview of their offerings and contact information, underscoring the expertise and innovation First Nations businesses bring to various sectors. This compilation highlights the commitment of these enterprises to quality, community, and cultural values, offering a valuable resource for those seeking to engage with First Nation businesses across NSW.
Celebrating 10 Years
MAKING OUR MARK
October was an action-packed and inspiring month for Yarpa as we celebrated Indigenous Business Month across NSW. The month marked key milestones for First Nations businesses and highlighted the incredible growth within our communities. From hosting our signature Meet the Buyer event, where vital business relationships were built, to celebrating our deadly graduates at the Yarpa Grow Ceremony, we’ve been busy! Yarpa is committed to fostering connection, growth, and opportunity for Indigenous businesses, and this year’s theme, “Making Our Mark,” perfectly reflects our mission.
As we wrap up Indigenous Business Month, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, community members, and the First Nations businesses we work with for making this month a success. Together, we are strengthening the First Nations business sector and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our communities.
Here’s a closer look at the key events we participated in throughout October:
Koori Knockout
BATHURST | Wiradjuri
One of the highlights of Indigenous Business Month for us was being part of the Koori Knockout in Bathurst. Alongside NSWALC, we had a pop-up tent where our team enjoyed the chance to be a part of the action & yarn with familiar and new faces. Yarpa is committed to bringing our membership, workshops and services to Aboriginal Businesses across all of NSW! The event was a reminder of the strength and unity of our communities, and the power of sport to bring us together.
First Nations Employment & Economic Forum
MELBOURNE | Wurundjeri
Yarpa participated in the First Nations Employment & Economic Forum held in Melbourne. The forum provided a platform for government, industry leaders, and First Nations business representatives to discuss strategies for strengthening economic outcomes for our communities. This national gathering provided an opportunity to drive conversations about economic empowerment and long-term change for First Nations peoples.
Yarpa on the Road
NARRABRI & MOREE | Kamilaroi
In partnership with Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes, Yarpa hosted two Black Coffee events in Moree and Narrabri as part of Indigenous Business Month. Before the events, a meet & greet was held with DPIRD staff to familiarise them with Yarpa and Alfie, our Training & Development Coordinator.
At the Narrabri event, three Aboriginal businesses and local government representatives discussed the role of Aboriginal businesses in the region and the possibility of hosting future Black Coffee events.
The Moree event, held at Cafe Gali, attracted around 20 attendees who engaged in discussions about upcoming training opportunities. A key proposal was to develop a new community project, with Yarpa planning to support this through a workshop in December 2024 focused on Capability Statements, Marketing, and Project Management.
Both events were met with enthusiasm, reflecting the strong support for Yarpa’s ongoing commitment to the Moree and Narrabri communities.
Yarpa on the Road
WAGGA WAGGA | Wiradjuri
Our Business Coach, Wayne, was in Wagga to support First Nations participants in the SEFA EmpowerHER Program, which focuses on supporting female-owned or led social enterprises. This involvement underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting First Nations businesses based in Regional NSW.
Wayne also co-presented a session on Financial Mastery, covering key topics such as budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and financial statements. The session provided participants with valuable tools to strengthen and grow their enterprises.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Business Expo
ILLAWARRA | Dharawal
Yarpa was excited to be part of the Illawarra Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Business Expo, which brought together a diverse range of First Nations-owned businesses. The expo showcased the skills, creativity, and innovation of First Nations entrepreneurs, providing a platform for businesses to highlight their products and services. Our Business Coach, Wayne, also had the opportunity to catch up with a few of our deadly Yarpa members, including Bianca Hunt of FLW Connect and Jo from Chocolate on Purpose. It was a great chance to reconnect and celebrate the success of our members.
Indigenous Business Review Launch of Second Edition
SYDNEY | Gadigal
Yarpa was proud to attend the National Indigenous Times Business Review launch, hosted on Gadigal land by Commbank. The event celebrated the partnership between CommBank and National Indigenous Times, producing the Indigenous Business Review (IBR), now available online and in print bi-monthly in The Australian (we have copies at the Hub!).
The IBR covers key industry affairs, profiles, and initiatives supporting Indigenous businesses nationwide. It was a great chance to connect with CommBank’s Indigenous Banking Team, meet interstate First Nations businesses, and reconnect with existing Yarpa members. This launch underscored the vital role of media in amplifying Indigenous voices and boosting visibility for the businesses shaping our future.
AANSW Business Round Table
PARRAMATTA | Burramatagal
The AANSW Business Round Table brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and Indigenous business owners to discuss the future of First Nations business in Australia. YARPA was in attendance to contribute to the discussions around capacity-building, access to resources, and creating strategic partnerships that benefit the First Nations business sector. The round table provided a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and gathering insights that will inform the future direction of our work and help strengthen the networks that support Indigenous businesses.
Supply Nation/CommBank Indigenous Business Education Workshop
LIVERPOOL - Cabrogal
We also welcomed Supply Nation, CommBank and the ATO to our Hub to deliver the first in a series of Indigenous business education workshops. This workshop and panel discussion shared invaluable financial and business advice covering topics such as governance and growth strategies, cashflow management, accessing capital and taxation. We look forward to working together in the future to support First Nations businesses.
