NativeGrow Heads to South Australia, Supporting First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Businesses to Scale
- holly7232
- Jun 26
- 2 min read

EM-Power Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its NativeGrow First Nation Entrepreneur program based in South Australia, supporting established First Nations-led businesses working in the native food, botanicals and agriculture space.
NativeGrow is designed specifically for First Nations entrepreneurs who already have a product or business in development and are ready to grow. The program supports participants to build stronger business foundations, expand their product range, explore new markets, and connect with key networks and mentors in the industry. Whether you're creating bushfood products, working with native botanicals in skincare or wellness, or innovating in agriculture, NativeGrow provides the culturally grounded support needed to scale First Nations-led native food businesses.
Delivered in partnership with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), and facilitated by First Nations StartUp and Sacred Country Consulting, the program includes weekly online sessions commencing in July, and an intensive face-to-face bootcamp held in Adelaide from 22–23 July 2025.
Speaking about the expansion into South Australia, Wiradjuri woman and General Manager of the Em-Power Foundation, Holly Hoad, said:
“We’re so excited to bring NativeGrow to South Australia, where there are strong ties to culture and a deep connection to native food. This round, we’re calling on more established First Nations-led businesses who are ready to take bold steps forward. NativeGrow is about walking with mob to grow strong businesses incorporating culture, community and Country.”
Dr Chris Downs, Director of the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), welcomed the focus of this round:
“We are delighted to continue supporting the NativeGrow program as it expands into South Australia. This next stage, with a focus on supporting more mature businesses, offers an important opportunity for First Nations entrepreneurs to strengthen their market position and drive long-term impact.”
The most recent NativeGrow program was delivered in Queensland, concluding in April 2025, with added support from The University of Queensland and the Queensland Office for Women. The program made a significant impact, with participants describing it as transformational.
Kaiyu Bayles, founder of Red Black & Yellow Shop, reflected on her experience:
“This program is cutting edge. Gemma and Sinead [Sacred Country Consulting & First Nations StartUp, program facilitators] are revolutionaries in the Black business world. Helping mob with little to no business skills transform our lives with priceless teachings. I've done a lot of courses and been part of a lot of initiatives in my life — this is proper deadly. Making poverty history by creating lasting wealth and building a Black economy.”
Rochelle Pitt, founder of BushCeuticals, also shared:
“NativeGrow is setting the standard and empowering First Nations entrepreneurs in this country to be ready for the global market. I feel free to express my Black being, doing and knowing in a culturally safe space to develop my business skills.”
Applications are now open for First Nations business owners located in South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Victoria. Participation in the program is free for successful applicants.
Apply now or find out more at 👉 www.em-power.org.au/native-grow
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