First Nations entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter Kayku Kumpa Awards to win grants for skills development.
In a conversation with NITV Radio, Phil Lockyer CGU Executive manager explained that The CGU Kayku Kumpa award takes its name from the local language of the Gringai people of the Wonnarua nation of the Hunter Valley in NSW. Kayku Kumpa (pronounced Kuy – koo Koom – pah) means ‘strong yesterday, stronger tomorrow’.
The name Kayku Kumpa was chosen as it represents the opportunity for participants to become stronger business owners and help create a better future for themselves, their communities and their business.
Phil Lockyer also explained that the awards are open for all types of skills development that applicants deem useful for themselves and the future of their business.
Last year’s winners included a business that specialises in first aid training and workplace safety supplies, a consulting firm that provides renewable energy and microgrid services, a catering business, an events and conference management organisation, and a business that produces yoga mats designed by Aboriginal artists.
Jadah Pleiter, founder of Panku, which provides first aid training and workplace safety supplies, received one of the awards last year and said it was encouraging to be recognised for their work and to be able to invest more in their business.
Kayku Kumpa Awards business grant is open to Indigenous-owned small to medium businesses. Applications for 2020 close on October 25.
