WHAT WE DO

First Nations Worthwhile Ventures (FNWV) enhances Indigenous businesses through various services aimed at generating income and fostering economic growth. By focusing on capacity building, FNWV helps Indigenous enterprises become viable, long-term businesses, promoting economic prosperity and empowerment for all Indigenous people.

Our model of support, mentoring and wellbeing means everyone wins.

First Nations Worthwhile Ventures (FNWV) exists to strengthen Indigenous businesses and amplify the impact of Indigenous entrepreneurship across the country. We support First Nations business owners through a culturally responsive, pro bono-powered model that offers practical, tailored support in business strategy, financial management, legal advice, marketing, governance, insurance, and wellbeing. Our work centres on capacity building — helping entrepreneurs grow strong, sustainable businesses that generate income, create jobs, and contribute to long-term community prosperity. We don’t offer one-off fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we walk alongside each business owner, responding to their unique goals and providing the proper support at the right time. Through deep partnerships with pro bono professionals, funders, and community allies, FNWV helps transform ambition into action — empowering Indigenous-led businesses to thrive, and building an economy that is more inclusive, resilient, and grounded in self-determination.

Creating Economic Change for First Nations Entrepreneurs
For many First Nations peoples, the path to business ownership is shaped by strength, resilience, and often, systemic barriers. Financial constraints, limited access to networks, and a lack of culturally relevant support can hold great ideas back. First Nations Worthwhile Ventures (FNWV) is changing that story. Through a culturally responsive, community-driven approach, we walk alongside entrepreneurs, providing the tools, guidance, and confidence needed to grow viable, long-term businesses. Our model is built on self-determination — empowering First Nations people to define their own success and drive economic outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Our Impact
Since 2016, we have:

Supported over 60 First Nations businesses across a wide range of industries
Facilitated over $2 million in additional revenue for the businesses we’ve supported
Provided ongoing capacity building and wellbeing support, grounded in cultural safety
Seen the creation of multiple First Nations jobs, contributing to community employment
Enabled the development of strategic business plans, operational systems, and financial foundations
Built a trusted network of pro bono professionals and mentors — including legal, financial, insurance, wellbeing, and business experts
Fostered a strong, values-led community committed to self-determination, equity, and long-term impact

Our work goes beyond business success — it’s about creating lasting, generational change through the power of Indigenous enterprise

Holistic Support

We offer culturally responsive support across finance, mentoring, wellbeing, and business guidance — tailored to the unique needs of each entrepreneur.

Education

Through education and capacity building, we empower First Nations entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence to build sustainable, self-determined businesses.

Collaboration

FNWV partners with corporate, government, community, and pro bono stakeholders to strengthen the ecosystem around First Nations entrepreneurship and drive long-term impact.

Resources

We provide tailored tools, expert guidance, and access to a trusted network of professionals — ensuring First Nations businesses have what they need to grow and succeed.

TESTIMONIALS

My name is Chrae Tawhai, owner and operator of Envision Energy. I have had the pleasure of working with Renai and the team at First Nations Worthwhile Ventures and highly recommend the work they have done, and continue to do for me. I started working with FNWV in March of 2024 and in the short 6 month time frame they have provided a wide range of services that have helped my business grow bigger and better than it had in the year and a half prior to engaging with FNWV. Working closely with Renai, she was able to help me put my vision into reality starting with creating my company logo. Incorporating Indigenous art work, with renewable energy and displaying my vision 'Providing Power to the Community' in one image. Connecting me with a team of lawyers to get the appropriate advice on protecting my company and my brand which I have now been able to trademark. Renai has also helped create an online platform to get my business out there with setting up a website and a presence on social media. Together we created my business plan, cash flow projections long and short term, marketing strategies and a capability statement which has helped me tremendously in business from gaining work, winning contracts, meeting new clients and businesses, building partnerships, accessing financial help, writing tenders the list goes on. All while helping me understand the ins and outs of business and how to be a smart successful company. I was blown away and more than happy with the things we achieved and the progress we and I as a business made in such a small time. I would not be in the position I am today without the help of Renai and FNWV. I couldn't thank them enough and highly recommend them to anyone needing any of the support that they helped me with. I continue to lean on Renai and FNWV daily in my business journey. We still have a lot more work to do!

Chrae Tawai, Envision Energy

My name is Renae Lamb, CEO and Founder of Midnight Dreaming. I am a proud Wiradjuri/Wongaibon woman with deep cultural and family ties across central-west New South Wales, especially to the Dubbo, Tangie, and Dandaloo regions—lands that continue to hold strong personal and ancestral significance for me and my family. I was raised on the homelands of the WANNARUA, AWABAKAL, and WORIMI peoples, where I was fortunate to complete my Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Global Indigenous Studies and minoring in Education. These lands, and my late father Charlie Lamb's teachings, shaped the foundation of who I am and continue to inspire me in raising my own children within the Karuah/Swan Bay community on Worimi Country. Country is everything to me. It gives me a sense of belonging, strength, and purpose. I founded Midnight Dreaming as a visionary artist for change—with a mission to challenge the narratives around Aboriginal culture and create space for our people to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Before connecting with FNWV, I was navigating the complexities of growing a values-driven business on my own—balancing my cultural responsibilities, family life, and business vision without structured support. The guidance I’ve received through FNWV has been meaningful, providing clarity and a greater sense of direction. It’s not just about business—it’s about walking together in a way that respects our values and vision as First Nations people. One moment that stands out was receiving support that acknowledged my cultural identity and artistic vision not just as a “business plan,” but as a deeper purpose. That shift in approach reminded me I wasn’t alone, and that FNWV truly understands what it means to support Aboriginal entrepreneurs in ways that are culturally safe and empowering. I would absolutely recommend FNWV to any First Nations business owner. The support feels personal, grounded in understanding, and deeply aligned with our ways of being and doing.

Renae Lamb, Midnight Dreaming

I feel very supported, making me more confident in decision making, and I feel worthy of my journey and that I'm making an impact for my family and our future

Caressa Murphy - Caressa Designs

First Nations Worthwhile Ventures have been by my side as I developed the vision for Wojamin Creative. Having a Business Advisor available to bounce ideas off of and solve business problems has provided the essential support I required to transition to running my own business full-time. My mentor has guided me in exploring additional revenue streams, supported me in business planning, and enthusiastically backed my ideas.

Mandy Braddick - Wojamin Creative