This International Women’s Day 2026, the theme “Give to Gain”, reminds us that progress is not a solo pursuit. When women are given access to capital, opportunity and belief, communities gain strength, innovation and generational change.
At First Australians Capital (FAC), we’ve seen this truth come to life through the extraordinary First Nations women-led businesses we’ve supported over the past year.
We’ve seen what happens when we give access to capital and capability — we gain stronger ecosystems of knowledge and self-determination.
We’ve seen it in StartUp Creative, founded by Kaylene Langford. A platform, podcast and print magazine supporting creative entrepreneurs, StartUp Creative provides practical education, visibility and community. When we give space for First Nations women to share knowledge and lead conversations, we gain empowered founders building sustainable enterprises grounded in culture and innovation.
We’ve seen what happens when we give support to innovation — we gain safer communities.
We’ve seen it in Nuidawn, founded by Sharmane Mannix. Developing personal safety technology to protect individuals at risk of harassment and domestic violence, Nuidawn is creating tools that educate and empower people in high-risk workplaces and beyond. When we back First Nations women in tech, we gain culturally informed, community-led solutions that can be life-saving.
We’ve seen what happens when we give dignity and opportunity — we gain confidence and participation.
We’ve seen it in MumRed, founded by Samala Cronin. Addressing period poverty through high-quality menstrual products, MumRed is driving school retention, employment pathways and cultural reclamation. When we invest in women’s health enterprises, we gain stronger education outcomes, economic empowerment and open conversations grounded in First Nations knowledge.
We’ve seen what happens when we give space for bold ideas — we gain inclusion and sustainability.
We’ve seen it in Tally Swim, founded by Tiffany Lee Davies. By reimagining period swimwear so women and girls don’t have to sit out of sport or life, Tally Swim is creating practical, sustainable solutions. When we support innovation led by First Nations women, we gain confidence, participation and environmental consciousness for the next generation.
We’ve seen what happens when we invest in small businesses — we gain economic growth and social impact.
We’ve seen it in Cooee Cookies, a female-founded business bringing native botanicals to the modern palate. From grassroots beginnings to supplying major retailers and national events, while donating to communities affected by floods and fires, Cooee Cookies shows that when we invest in women-led enterprises, we gain jobs, wealth creation and community care woven together.
And we’ve seen what happens when we offer long-term partnership—we gain an enduring legacy.
We’ve seen it in Gerrbik Laundry Services, Australia’s first Aboriginal-owned commercial laundry. Operating with integrity since 1979 and servicing major corporate clients, Gerrbik demonstrates that sustained support of First Nations enterprise builds generational strength and corporate excellence.
Give to Gain is more than a theme — it is an economic truth.
When First Nations women are trusted with capital, networks and opportunity, they do not just build businesses — they build futures. They create jobs. They strengthen culture. They solve problems. They model leadership for the next generation.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who show us that when we give intentionally and invest equitably, we all gain.
