Women's Business
Pre-Accelerator

First Nations Women's Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program

Explore the idea. Back yourself. Build what comes next.

A six-week program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across NSW to explore ideas, strengthen confidence and build pathways into business, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Register Your Interest Learn More
First Nations Women's Pre-Accelerator Program
6 Week Program
3 Day Intensive
100% Funded
NSW Metro · Regional · Remote
Eligibility

This program is
for you if you are…

Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across NSW. No business experience, plan or pitch required.

Exploring an Idea

Starting a Business

Building in Community

Growing an Early Concept

Building Confidence

Seeking Pathways

No business experience, business plan, financial documents or polished pitch required — just show up.
Program Overview

What's included

Six weeks of structured learning, hands-on mentoring and in-person connection — designed to fit your life, wherever you are in NSW.

Weekly Online Masterclasses

Structured learning sessions delivered online, accessible from metro, regional or remote NSW.

Three-Day In-Person Intensive

Hands-on workshops, mentoring, storytelling, collaboration and pitch preparation — all in one dedicated gathering.

Mentoring & Coaching

One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors who understand First Nations business and community.

Peer Learning & Networking

Connect with a cohort of First Nations women building ideas, businesses and community initiatives.

Practical Business Tools

Real-world frameworks, templates and resources to take your idea from concept to action.

Pathways to Funding & Accelerators

Exposure to funding opportunities, accelerator programs and ecosystem partners for your next steps.

Week by Week

Your journey through the program

W1

Week 1 — Explore the Possibilities

Connect with the cohort, mentors and facilitators while exploring your ideas, strengths and goals.

W2

Week 2 — Shape the Idea

Explore the problem you want to solve and who it matters to.

W3

Week 3 — Understand Your Audience

Learn about customers, community, value creation and communicating your idea clearly.

W4

Week 4 — Business & Money Basics

Build confidence in business models, pricing, sustainability and financial literacy.

W5

Week 5 — Three-Day Intensive

Hands-on workshops, mentoring, storytelling, collaboration and pitch preparation — all together, in person.

W6

Week 6 — Pitch & Next Steps

Bring everything together and prepare for future pathways and opportunities.

First Nations women in program
First Nations women in community
Support & Community

Built for First Nations Women

The program is culturally grounded, practical and supportive. Every element has been designed with First Nations women at the centre — because self-determination starts with being backed by your community.

Register Your Interest

Mentors & Role Models

Access to experienced First Nations professionals who understand your journey.

Practical Business Knowledge

Real tools and frameworks you can apply immediately — no jargon, no barriers.

Peer Support Networks

A cohort of First Nations women who grow, learn and connect together.

Pathways into Future Opportunities

Referrals to accelerators, funding, networks and ecosystem partners after the program.

A Growing Ecosystem

Join a growing community of First Nations women in business and leadership across NSW.

Ready to back yourself?

Register your interest today and take the first step toward your business journey.

Register Your Interest

The Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program is delivered by First Nations Economics with support from Investment NSW.

Gurminder Saro

Interim Chair

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer, and economic specialist. He leads First Nations Economics as Managing Director of Strategy and Foundation and serves as Associate Dean of First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney.

With over 15 years of experience spanning government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, Rick is deeply committed to advancing the economic development of First Peoples. As the former Director of First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes at NSW Treasury, he spearheaded the state’s inaugural Indigenous expenditure reporting processes and established the groundbreaking First Nations budget process in 2021/22. Previously, Rick held an executive role at the Westpac Group, overseeing First Nations affairs, and has a rich history in government, monitoring, evaluation, and negotiation, with senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney, and Standards Australia.

Rick is a published author with Oxford University Press, a member of the First Nations Advisory Board of Siemens Australia, and a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barnardos Australia.