The APEC pilot project ‘Growing Indigenous Businesses Through Trade’ (GrIT) is an initiative under the umbrella of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and National Indigenous Australians Agency. It is co-sponsored by Canada and the United States.

APEC: GrIT is designed to assist First Nations businesses enhance their capacity to trade, and to contribute to social and economic outcomes. Participants are from APEC economies including Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Philippines, Mexico, and the United States.

The project is delivered by the Export Council of Australia (ECA) in partnership with the Indigenous Network for Investment Trade and Export (IGNITE) and involves eight live online sessions (1.5 hours each, held twice a month).

The training sessions focus on practical elements of trading across borders, including in relation to regulations (e.g. tariffs and intellectual property rights), terminologies used in cross-border finance and logistics, as well as how to price and market internationally.

The benefits of participation include:

• Growing your knowledge of how to export
• Access to subject matter experts on international trade
• Opportunities to expand your international network – including connecting with like-minded Indigenous entrepreneurs
• Joining a virtual trade mission at the end of the course.

Additional information about APEC: GrIT can be found here.
 
Virtual trade mission

The initiative will culminate in a virtual trade mission which will bring together participants and key business and industry stakeholders. The virtual trade mission will be an opportunity for all participants to develop their pitch, business storytelling, and APEC network.

If you would like to be involved in this initiative, including as a potential mentor, buyer, investor, or business partner, or to be connected with the entrepreneurs through the virtual trade mission, please contact:

Angela Wright
Senior Project Manager, ECA Edge
Export Council of Australia
(+61) 02 8243 7400
AngelaWright@export.org.au