APPLICATIONS
First Nations Social Enterprise Circle
Hello, thank you for your interest in the First Nations Social Enterprise Circle.
We've tried to keep the application process simple. It may take around 30 minutes to complete the form, but we encourage you to work at your own pace.
START YOUR APPLICATION
You can submit your application in written form, by audio recording or sharing a short video. To get started, please choose from the options below.
If you have any questions about the application process, or submitting online in a written or recorded format doesn’t work for you, or you have trouble uploading a file, please contact us at info@shiftingground.com.au
We’ll do our best to support you or receive your submission in a way that works for you.
A GUIDE TO APPLYING
We’re interested in hearing about:
• Your work and what it means for your community,
• Examples from your projects or initiatives, and
• What’s working well and the benefits your enterprise creates.
Remember that a few sentences, a short paragraph or bullet points for each answer is enough. For audio or video recordings, try to aim for between 2 and 5 minutes total to avoid uploading issues. We prefer you to write or speak in your own words.
Your answers are automatically saved on the device you start your application in for 15 days, so you can leave and come back if needed, but we recommend you complete the form in one sitting.
You can use the controls on the right side of the page to move up or down to revisit any section or preview the next questions.
We strongly encourage you to preview the questions before starting:
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
Up to 8 enterprises will be selected. We’ll consider:
• A diversity of industries, sectors, structures (for example, co-operatives, sole traders, collectives, not-for-profits, companies), and business stages (emerging to established).
• A balance of regional, remote, and urban representation.
• The ways enterprises reflect community priorities and deliver impact.
• The insights, challenges, and experiences each enterprise will bring to the collective learning space.
Assessment of submissions will involve internal and independent assessors.
ELIGIBILITY
Before you apply, please ensure that:
• Your enterprise is First Nations-owned and led — please note that certification or formal recognition as a social enterprise is not required or prioritised.
• You're available to participate across the full program dates, including travel time.
• You are comfortable with program learnings and outcomes being shared in ways that respect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
• You are committed to participating in a spirit of collaboration, learning, respect & cultural safety.