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Takira Simon-Brown (Palawa)
Magpie Dreaming

First Nations Social Enterprise Circle

Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 April 2026

Garramilla/Darwin, Northern Territory

The First Nations Social Enterprise Circle is a groundbreaking two-day gathering in Garramilla/Darwin for up to eight First Nations-owned and led social enterprises — these are businesses or collectives that generate income while creating social, cultural, &/or environmental benefits. They do not need to be certified or formally recognised as social enterprises.

Facilitated by Genevieve Grieves, Co-Founder & Director of two First Nations profit-for-purpose enterprises, Shifting Ground & GARUWA, the program is an opportunity for enterprises to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and strengthen one another, while laying the foundations for the creation of a First Nations Values Framework and Values Map. Developed by Shifting Ground based on the insights of the Social Enterprise Circle, these tools aim to strengthen First Nations participation and recognition in the social enterprise sector, on our terms.

Participants will come together to:

  • Reflect on the challenges created by systems that have historically excluded First Nations voices and limited economic, as well as political and social sovereignty,

  • Explore new ways for First Nations enterprises to be recognised and understood, grounded in Indigenous knowledge, collective responsibility, and decolonising practices, and

  • Share experiences, surface solutions and co-create strategies that embed First Nations values and practices at the heart of social enterprise.

The insights and knowledge generated in this process are intended to contribute to systemic change, supporting wider recognition of First Nations-led work and strengthening pathways toward economic justice and self-determination.

Applications close Friday 28 November 2025.

Apply now

ELIGIBILITY

WHO

For Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander-owned and led enterprises (no certification required).

Participants will be First Nations representatives from their enterprise. 

WHAT WE MEAN BY ENTERPRISE

A First Nations enterprise is a business, organisation or collective that is First Nations owned and led, trades to generate some income, and creates social, cultural or environmental benefits.


You might be:

  • a small business

  • a community-owned organisation

  • a cooperative or collective

  • a non-profit or charity with trading activity

  • another model that balances income with impact.

We welcome First Nations enterprises of all industries, sizes and ways of working.

Whether you’re just starting out or well established, we encourage you to apply.

WHY

Connect and share knowledge with other First Nations enterprises.

Contribute to the development of a First Nations Values Framework and Values Map for the sector.

Strengthen recognition & participation of First Nations leadership and practice in social enterprise.

WHEN & WHERE

The program will be held across two days in Garramilla/Darwin, Northern Territory, on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 April 2026.

Given the limited flight options in and out of Garramilla/Darwin, we ask participants to allow a day either side for travel, ie Monday 20 to Thursday 23 April.



COSTS

All travel, accommodation, meals and program expenses are fully covered. There are no costs to participate.

Each participating enterprise will receive a $2,000 honorarium in recognition of the time, knowledge and value you bring. This includes:

  • Participation in the First Nations Social Enterprise Circle, and 

  • Giving feedback on the resources created from our gathering.

HOW TO APPLY

You can submit your application in written form, audio recording or a short video. If these don’t work, contact info@shiftingground.com.au and we’ll do our best to receive your application in a way that works for you.

We’re interested in what matters most: your enterprise’s story and the impact you create. 

We also know you’re really busy. So we’ve kept it really simple. You can answer in a few sentences, bullet points or a short paragraph. There are no word limits, and we don’t prioritise technical language or polished, longer submissions.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)

For more details about eligibility, what to expect, and how to apply, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) section.

OUR PARTNERS

This program was commissioned by Social Enterprise Australia as part of the Australian Government’s Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI).