In the first WA funding round for 2024, which closed in March, the WA Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee and Trustees have approved funding for FIRST NATIONS X LTD under the Indigenous Economic Development funding category, to support HORIZON – Uplifting Indigenous Female Leaders Program.
HORIZON, set to run from May to December 2024, will empower Indigenous women in regional areas by fostering self-determination and increasing workforce participation. It fills a critical gap in the market by focusing on Indigenous women, who often face additional challenges balancing cultural and family responsibilities while navigating entrepreneurship.
The program’s key component is co-creation, allowing participants to share their knowledge while receiving leadership training, entrepreneurial skills, and innovation strategies. HORIZON also integrates cultural empowerment, including sessions on strengthening connection to country, building pride, and resilience.
Other highlights include skill-building workshops on digital literacy, project management, and capital raising, alongside mentorship opportunities with established Indigenous leaders. Indigenous film producers will capture knowledge from elders and participants, helping foster knowledge transfer across communities.
The program will offer scholarships to up to 22 regional Indigenous women from the Town of Port Hedland and the Shire of East Pilbara, with travel assistance for a final showcase in Perth. The online seminar series will be open to the public, free of charge.
This initiative represents a significant investment in Indigenous partnerships and the creation of thriving, empowered communities across Western Australia.