Latest news with #KateRussell
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Indigenous business must be 'backed' to Close the Gap
Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Indigenous business drive crucial Closing the Gap gains
Indigenous businesses are creating billions of dollars of social value and helping towards progress on Closing the Gap targets. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "Trade and business are not new concepts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples … a thriving economy existed long before colonisation," Ms Russell wrote in the report. "Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing to the prosperity of all Australians and driving positive impact in their own communities. "They create jobs, drive innovation, develop skills, and implement long-term sustainability initiatives." Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Educational Closing the Gap targets, currently assessed as not on track by the Productivity Commission, were also aided by business ownership, the report said. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. "I can support them to build their own careers (as well as provide for) education and travel." The report called for more programs and funding to boost Indigenous entrepreneurship along with involving businesses in Closing the Gap priority reforms. "All levels of government must prioritise practical support for the Indigenous business sector," Ms Russell said. "Indigenous businesses right across Australia are making a real difference. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Indigenous businesses are creating billions of dollars of social value and helping towards progress on Closing the Gap targets. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "Trade and business are not new concepts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples … a thriving economy existed long before colonisation," Ms Russell wrote in the report. "Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing to the prosperity of all Australians and driving positive impact in their own communities. "They create jobs, drive innovation, develop skills, and implement long-term sustainability initiatives." Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Educational Closing the Gap targets, currently assessed as not on track by the Productivity Commission, were also aided by business ownership, the report said. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. "I can support them to build their own careers (as well as provide for) education and travel." The report called for more programs and funding to boost Indigenous entrepreneurship along with involving businesses in Closing the Gap priority reforms. "All levels of government must prioritise practical support for the Indigenous business sector," Ms Russell said. "Indigenous businesses right across Australia are making a real difference. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Indigenous businesses are creating billions of dollars of social value and helping towards progress on Closing the Gap targets. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "Trade and business are not new concepts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples … a thriving economy existed long before colonisation," Ms Russell wrote in the report. "Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing to the prosperity of all Australians and driving positive impact in their own communities. "They create jobs, drive innovation, develop skills, and implement long-term sustainability initiatives." Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Educational Closing the Gap targets, currently assessed as not on track by the Productivity Commission, were also aided by business ownership, the report said. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. "I can support them to build their own careers (as well as provide for) education and travel." The report called for more programs and funding to boost Indigenous entrepreneurship along with involving businesses in Closing the Gap priority reforms. "All levels of government must prioritise practical support for the Indigenous business sector," Ms Russell said. "Indigenous businesses right across Australia are making a real difference. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Indigenous businesses are creating billions of dollars of social value and helping towards progress on Closing the Gap targets. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "Trade and business are not new concepts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples … a thriving economy existed long before colonisation," Ms Russell wrote in the report. "Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing to the prosperity of all Australians and driving positive impact in their own communities. "They create jobs, drive innovation, develop skills, and implement long-term sustainability initiatives." Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Educational Closing the Gap targets, currently assessed as not on track by the Productivity Commission, were also aided by business ownership, the report said. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. "I can support them to build their own careers (as well as provide for) education and travel." The report called for more programs and funding to boost Indigenous entrepreneurship along with involving businesses in Closing the Gap priority reforms. "All levels of government must prioritise practical support for the Indigenous business sector," Ms Russell said. "Indigenous businesses right across Australia are making a real difference. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Indigenous business drive crucial Closing the Gap gains
Indigenous businesses are creating billions of dollars of social value and helping towards progress on Closing the Gap targets. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "Trade and business are not new concepts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples … a thriving economy existed long before colonisation," Ms Russell wrote in the report. "Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing to the prosperity of all Australians and driving positive impact in their own communities. "They create jobs, drive innovation, develop skills, and implement long-term sustainability initiatives." Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Educational Closing the Gap targets, currently assessed as not on track by the Productivity Commission, were also aided by business ownership, the report said. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. "I can support them to build their own careers (as well as provide for) education and travel." The report called for more programs and funding to boost Indigenous entrepreneurship along with involving businesses in Closing the Gap priority reforms. "All levels of government must prioritise practical support for the Indigenous business sector," Ms Russell said. "Indigenous businesses right across Australia are making a real difference. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hali Lee
Credit - Courtesy Kate Russell To Hali Lee, the future of philanthropy lies in collective giving. That's what the philanthropy consultant contends in her new book, The Big We: How Giving Circles Unlock Generosity, Strengthen Community, and Unlock Change. Social change, she says, can start with people, often women, gathered around kitchen tables, pooling their resources to donate whatever they can afford to local organizations like soup kitchens and libraries. 'Everybody's got a kitchen table,' she says. It's a movement that seems to be taking off. From 2017 to 2023, one study found, nearly 4,000 collective giving circles in the U.S. donated $3.1 billion to charity. The same study found that women comprised more than half of the donors in 84% of collective giving groups and 60% of circles were all women. Lee has been doing her part. Twenty years ago, she founded the Asian Women Giving Circle, which has made more than $1 million in small grants to support cultural projects helmed by people of Asian American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Island ancestry. In 2017 she helped launch Philanthropy Together, an organization that works to scale the collective giving movement. And in 2018 she co-founded the Donors of Color Network, the first national network of high net worth donors of color. Bigger change can ultimately result from these individual, often smaller-dollar donors coming together, Lee believes. While 'Big Phil' certainly does good, she says, 'billionaires don't have any incentive to change the systems that made them rich.' Lee spoke with TIME about the evolution of giving circles and how interested donors can launch a successful group. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Why is the giving circle movement so heavily female? I'm Korean American and in my culture there is something called a geh, a shared giving circle. You might have heard of tandas, [in Mexico] or sou sous [in West Africa]. Indonesians call it arisans. A lot of these cultural forms of pooling resources are organized and run by women. I'm not a sociologist or anthropologist but my hunch is that it's because women were often traditionally excluded from the more formal ways of banking. These cultural forms of generosity, while not philanthropic in origin, lend themselves naturally to being turned into philanthropic forms. Is there a political aspect to the giving circle movement? Where I really land is civic engagement. Giving circles are a great vehicle, not the only vehicle but a really good one, for people to practice being civically engaged. And if there was ever a time when we really need to do that in this country, and maybe even globally, it's now. Civic engagement just means being curious and interested in what's happening in my community and then caring enough to get educated, then taking one more step with a group of friends, neighbors, or colleagues to take action together. What are the most common problems in running a giving circle? The really common problem—I kind of make a joke of this in my book—is constipation. Very commonly a group will start to try to replicate Big Phil. They think they need to be very formal, have a 501(c)(3) [the tax code designation that allows donations to be deductible] and all this apparatus that they actually don't really need. All of that tends to constipate the flow of dollars. I often just tell people, don't build apparatus unless you need it, try to keep it simple, just get the money or volunteer time flowing. You will 100% make mistakes along the way, so build in learning and humility. How can all the members of a giving circle stay on the same page about which causes to support? Have a couple of conversations about what are your individual values, what are the group's values. If you can agree on something in your neighborhood or town that keeps you up at night, maybe that's the thing you agree to raise money for or volunteer for. Some circles decide to pick a different thing every year. Each member might get a turn. That's a good way to learn about a lot of different issues that impact a community. The important thing I think is just to dive in and get can adjust along the way. Contact us at letters@
