WHAT‘S HAPPENING
News & Events
Groundbreaking First Nations Screen Business Accelerator launched through national partnership
01 July 2026
The SAFC is supporting a landmark collaboration between Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), Screen Australia, and No Coincidence Media which will deliver a newly designed First Nations Screen Business Accelerator.
All state screen agencies have united to support the initiative, marking the first time these key organisations have come together to invest in a coordinated, national approach to elevate First Nations screen businesses.
The First Nations Screen Business Accelerator is a bold new initiative designed to support emerging and mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producers to elevate their projects and production companies to the next level.
The business accelerator will provide participants with access to industry-leading mentorship and targeted business development support delivered through a culturally informed approach that reflects Indigenous ways of doing business within the realities of the contemporary screen industry.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in strengthening the First Nations screen ecosystem by aligning investment, expertise, and opportunity across federal and state levels, through an industry-led, nationally coordinated approach.
The business accelerator will focus on building sustainable creative businesses and equipping participants with the skills, frameworks, and support to scale their work for both national and international markets. Participants may benefit from pathways to finance and market opportunities, as well as tailored support through IBA.
IBA Deputy CEO Sean Armistead said: “This partnership recognises that First Nations producers are not only powerful storytellers, but entrepreneurs and business leaders. By supporting their business growth, we are strengthening the foundations of a more resilient and sustainable First Nations screen sector.”
Screen Australia Director of First Nations Strategy Rachel Perkins said: “To succeed in the screen industry, creativity needs to be matched with strong business foundations. Backed by national and state partners, this initiative creates that support – ensuring the next generation of Indigenous production companies have the business scaffolding to build sustainable careers and bring their stories to the screen.”
No Coincidence Media Producer Mitch Stanley said: “No Coincidence Media is proud to lead the First Nations Screen Business Accelerator, drawing on our experience in the industry and our commitment to a First Nations-led lens as our foundation. This program responds to a clear need in the sector supporting the next generation of producers to build sustainable businesses, strengthen their business acumen, and ensure our stories continue to be told our way.”
Applications now open until Sunday, 19 July 4.30pm ACST. Learn more at iba.gov.au/First-Nations-Screen-Business-Accelerator
