Csr in Aboriginal Communities

Australian Native Foods (ANF) is seeking seed capital of $1,125,000 to establish an indigenous cooperative focused on sourcing, branding and distributing Australian native foods internationally. The initial funding sought will be used to conduct phase 1 of a five year project, focussing on a one year pilot run by Kimberley Lands Council. This venture seeks to establish an indigenous cooperative, and to assess the viability of an indigenous cooperative as a source of economic independence for indigenous communities.

The Australian native foods export industry is an emerging industry1. Vic Cherikoff is a market leader in the Australian native food industry, having had twenty-five years involvement2. His political views, and his keen interest in this field, have led to his focus on the possible benefits for indigenous communities (Appendix 1, meeting 2). He believes that there is the possibility of significant social and economic value creation for indigenous communities who develop and run a business that ensures a stable supply of raw materials for the industry. We believe that a cooperative structure will allow involvement for all in the management and direction of this business. However, we are conscious that it is imperative that all members of the Kimberley Lands Council be able to voice their opinion of this social entrepreneurial project (Seymour unpublished). This has not been possible within the time constraints of the development of this Information Memorandum, but should be seen as a priority before the implementation of our recommendations is considered.

The Offer

Requested funds would be allocated on the basis of $690,000 for expenses, and $460,000 for working capital and cash flow. We seek funding from Department Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) as part of their Indigenous Small Business Fund Initiative, with assistance from corporate partners with indigenous assistance programs such as HSBC, Westpac, as these institutions have funding programs in place for a project such as the ANF business model (appendix 3).

ANF presents an opportunity to invest in a project that provides the prospect for an indigenous community to receive an independent income, to gain more experience and knowledge about business, and to enhance their business skills whilst providing employment and training opportunities, and expanding indigenous export markets overseas.