It's time to shake up the business landscape.
When it comes to business, there is no one-size-fits-all. We build trust-based relationships with First Nations entrepreneurs, working alongside them to understand their unique needs and finding solutions that work for them.
Born from a desire to break the mould.
After years working in the social enterprise sphere, Darryl Majid knew that there was a huge opportunity to give First Nations entrepreneurs the support they need to navigate a business ecosystem that often locks them out.
When he founded Esparq in early 2024, Darryl put everything on the line; only a few days after the birth of his first child, it was not the time to be taking a risk. He stood firm, knowing it was time to be bold and step outside the rigid structures that have shaped and limited entrepreneurship.
Now, we are crafting improved pipelines for First Nations entrepreneurs, from ideation to impact and beyond.
Standing on the precipice of opportunity.
We envision a future where First Nations entrepreneurs have equal access to resources, achieve financial independence and build long-term stability, igniting positive change and sustainable growth within their communities and beyond.
Ready or not, First Nations businesses are in the limelight, with stakeholders and investors wanting to throw their support behind ventures that deliver social and financial outcomes.
Capitalising on this increased interest is a non-negotiable. First Nations entrepreneurs need support to enable their growth so they can secure significant contracts, funding and further opportunities to deliver results.
We’re here to ensure First Nations ventures are ready to seize the procurement opportunities coming their way.
Barrier breaking.
Future forging.
Traditional ways of doing business have long excluded First Nations businesses. Esparq creates pathways through these challenges, making it easier to spark entrepreneurship and create a future of economic inclusion for First Nations entrepreneurs.
The foundations of a stronger tomorrow.
As we walk alongside entrepreneurs, investors and supporters, our values are woven into the very fabric of our work.
Impact.
We want to do good in the world, creating empowered futures for First Nations communities.
Willingness.
Changemakers don’t let roadblocks stop them. Instead, they embrace collaboration and hard work.
Commitment.
Business success doesn’t happen overnight. We’re in it for the long haul, for a better future for all.
Trust.
We’re here to support entrepreneurs, not to compete. Our success depends entirely on our clients’ success.
Responsibility.
We do everything we can to ensure our entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed.
Boldness.
We ask the hard questions, we go out on a limb, we say it like it is and we don’t back down.
Our team.
Esparq has a 100% Indigenous membership and majority Indigenous Board.
Darryl is a First Nations man born and raised in Cairns, with family originating from the Torres Strait and the local region. His passion and purpose lies in working with First Nations Entrepreneurs on their journeys to build businesses and create jobs. Darryl has been successful at supporting First Nations businesses to grow, raise investment, create new jobs, and build more resilient business models.
Toni is a First Nations woman with over 25 years of experience as a business owner in bookkeeping and consultancy. She has worked in project and finance management, strategic and project engagement for non-for profits, corporate, prescribed body corporates, and small businesses.
Alex has worked extensively across the corporate, ‘not for profit’, and government sectors in Australia and the South Pacific. Alex has been instrumental in developing significant cross-sector agencies, businesses, and organisations such as Cape York Partnerships, The Big Issue Australia, Mulgrave farmers markets, Australian Spatial Analytics, and the Wise foundation.
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Dom is a social enterprise founder and consultant passionate about building purpose-led ventures that create meaningful impact in local communities. He has worked with a broad range of purpose-led organisations and led the delivery of the 2022 Social Enterprise World Forum, along with a diverse range of social impact initiatives, small businesses, and start-ups. Dom holds a Bachelor of Education and an MBA from the University of Queensland.
Bek is a proud Wakaya woman, born and raised on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong. With a strong background in the nonprofit sector, Bek has focused on First Nations economic development and previously served as the CEO of Ngarrimili.
Bek is passionate about supporting First Nations communities and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Mary Bani has 20 years of experience working with NGOs, community groups, and individuals in the Torres Strait region including the NPA. Mary brings practical experience in grants and project delivery in remote communities and is based on Thursday Island.
Winona is a proud First Nations woman, born and raised in Cairns, with descendants from the Wakka Wakka tribe of the Cherbourg community and the Alyawarra people from the Queensland–Northern Territory border. Winona’s upbringing in Cairns and strong connection to community has driven her passion for working with Esparq. With a professional background spanning administration, human resources, finance, and operations management, she feels she brings a well-rounded skill set to her role.
Winona is committed to continuous learning and growth and is excited by the opportunity to further develop my expertise alongside the talented team at Esparq. Winona’s passion lies in supporting First Nations businesses, helping them to thrive and build sustainable success for future generations.
Originally from California, Tara's passion for the environment led her to complete a dual Bachelor degree in Marine Biology and Business Management Economics, followed by a Masters in Climate Policy and Sustainable Business in South Korea. Tara has experience in both private and international development sectors, working with Copenhagen Offshore Partners and the Green Climate Fund.
She relocated to Cairns with the hopes of bringing sustainable finance solutions to address climate and environmental issues. In her free time, Tara volunteers with coral reef conservation and turtle rehabilitation.
Riannah is a researcher for Intelligent Impact, a company that advises entrepreneurs, fund managers, foundations, and other funders on using innovative finance structures. In her previous role as Senior Analyst in Social Finance at White Box Enterprises, Riannah helped structure and syndicate $26 million of social impact investment, and played a key role in structuring the organisation's $5 million credit lending facility. Riannah holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of Queensland.
Our partners
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Work with us to create a new way of doing business.
Investor? Entrepreneur? Just curious about the work we’re doing to empower First Nations communities? We want to hear from you.
