Supporting First Nations Entrepreneurs
In partnership with Minderoo Foundation’s Generation One, Wade Institute’s Dream Venture Masterclasses are empowering First Nations entrepreneurs across Australia – helping participants refine their ideas, build networks and launch businesses that create lasting impact.
Sunday 13 March 2022 • 5 minute read
Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship partners with Minderoo Foundation’s Generation One, to deliver their 2022 Dream Venture Masterclasses: a ground-breaking accelerator program supporting First Nations entrepreneurs to bring their startup dreams to life.Generation One is an initiative of Minderoo Foundation with a mission to secure employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians through world-class training and education. The Dream Venture Masterclasses, delivered in two streams - ‘Youth’ and ‘All Ages’ - are an Australian first of a kind, dedicated to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs. The ‘Youth’ program was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation’s co-led Youth Co:Lab.
Both streams were designed and developed by Wade Institute, drawing on its global network of experts, mentors and alumni from a range of leading education programs, including VC Catalyst and the University of Melbourne’s Master of Entrepreneurship.With more than 100 applications received, 20 participants were selected to participate in each stream. The program focused on helping participants hone their go-to-market strategies, pitching skills, and deepened their understanding of funding and growth options. Both cohorts received valuable one-on-one mentorship from leading Australian VC and corporate firms, including Giant Leap, AirTree, Rampersand, TDM Growth Ventures, Citi and Atlassian.
Following three intensive weeks of Masterclasses in August, the program culminated in a Pitch Gala hosted at Wade Institute. Participants and guests traveled from all around Australia, and as far away as Bangkok and New York. In front of a packed audience of 120+ guests, 10 finalists from the ‘Youth’ and ‘All Ages’ cohorts pitched their businesses to an expert panel for a share in $150,000 of seed funding - currently the biggest funding pool in Australia.From sunscreen infused with Indigenous botanicals to sustainable farming, a First Nations NFT platform, seaweed harvesting and everything in between, the finalists took on problems big and small, with all receiving grants based on impact, perseverance and growth potential.Wade Institute looks forward to following the journey of these indigenous entrepreneurs and watching them grow and scale their businesses.
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