FNFC has been recognised for its innovative social commercial enterprise model focused on creating more roles for First Nations people within Australia’s Finance sector
First Nations Finance is thrilled to announce it has been selected as a ‘Leader’ by the Australian Financial Review for the Banking, Insurance, Superannuation & Financial Services category in the 2024 AFR Sustainability Leaders Awards. This award recognises First Nations’ innovative commercial enterprise funding model, established in 2023, that aims to create sustainable development of professional pathways for First Nations people in First Nations entrepreneurs.
First Nations Finance aims to build skills for tertiary education and promote business ownership for First Nations people. The non-banking lender provides finance at commercial terms to all Australians, with seventy per cent of profits dedicated to funding a range of Indigenous development programs in partnership with established organisations including the Western Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health, Clontarf Foundation and Pauline E McLeod Foundation.
Commenting on the accolade, First Nations’ Chief Executive, Scott Allen commented, “It’s a great honour to have our program recognised as a leading force in fundamentally improving access for First Nations people into Australia’s established financial system. We believe our innovative approach to solving a longstanding issue, by focusing on building a model that is socially, economically and culturally sustainable will deliver permanent change for all First Nations Communities.”
“By enabling these projects, we create significant positive environmental and economic impacts, especially for Indigenous communities.” continued Allen.
Alongside FNFC’s ongoing internship and graduate programs designed to develop skills and boost the presence of First Nations people in corporate finance, profits from the organisation are used to invest in partnerships and programs via a social capital account to fund programs encouraging entrepreneurship, skills development and provide access to professional networks.
As a key partner and co-founder of First Nations Finance Corporation, Remara’s Andrew McVeigh said, “We are honoured to be recognised by the AFR and are proud of the work we’ve already done to improve access to Australia’s finance sector for First Nations people. This award will help us further our reach and impact, allowing us to bring more attention and support to Indigenous communities across Australia.”
Part of the Nallawilli Group of companies, First Nations Finance Corporation provides to all Australian businesses and government organisations, providing finance at comparative commercial terms while using profits to fund the sustainable development of First Nations communities.
Remara, a founding partner of First Nations Finance Corporation has integrated FNFC’s further development and expansion into its existing CSR program, ensuring a consistent and sustained pipeline of economic expansion and growth is achieved. Thanks to Remara, FNFC has secured ongoing access to insights and frameworks that ensure their investment and loan facilitation strategies align with current environmental, social, and governance principles.
ABOUT FIRST NATIONS FINANCE:
First Nations Finance provides finance to all Australian businesses, including sole traders, small to medium enterprises, publicly listed companies and government organisations. FNFC stands for highly competitive rates and personalised service. Their lending specialists get to know you and your business finding the right finance solution that will put you in control of your business now and into the future.
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www.nativeshop.com.au
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