Last chance to apply for CGU Kayku Kumpa Awards

First Nations business owners encouraged to enter CGU Kayku Kumpa Awards to win one of five $5,000 grants

CGU Insurance is calling on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners to enter this year’s CGU Kayku Kumpa Award competition to win one of five $5,000 grants, following the success of last year’s awards program.

The purpose of the grants is to provide First Nations business owners the support needed for personal and professional development to help their business grow.

CGU Executive Manager Phil Lockyer said: "At CGU we proudly support the ambition of small business owners around Australia by protecting their businesses. It’s been a tough year for many small businesses due to the pandemic, so we’re looking forward to launching the CGU Kayku Kumpa Award again to support the growth and skills development of First Nations small business owners. Especially at a time when their contribution to our communities is so important.

"We received strong applications during last year’s awards program from a range of innovative small businesses, which makes us excited to see what this year’s ingenious ideas from First Nations businesses will bring to our communities," Mr Lockyer said.

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.

"Receiving the $5,000 grant made it possible for us to access expert legal, HR and marketing advice. That has allowed us to grow our business and has given my family the opportunity to create the future we want," Ms Pleiter said.

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’. It 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.

CGU’s parent company, IAG, is a proud supporter of the reconciliation movement in Australia. In 2019, IAG launched an Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan, it’s third RAP, which is the highest level of endorsement from Reconciliation Australia. IAG’s Elevate RAP outlines commitments such as providing employment and internship opportunities to First Nations people, as well as supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

The CGU business grant is open to Indigenous-owned small to medium businesses. To apply please visit the website below and fill out the application form.

Important dates

• Online applications close 5pm Sunday 25 October 2020
• CGU will notify applicants Tuesday 3 November 2020
• Winners will be announced during NAIDOC week

Media contact: Nicholas Yazdani CGU Insurance 0411 012 366 / Nicholas.yazdani@iag.com.au