About Us

our history

The Adelaide City Deal is a 10-year agreement between the Australian Government, the Government of South Australia and the City of Adelaide, to grow Adelaide as an innovative and vibrant city.

The Circle – First Nations Entrepreneur Hub (The Circle) was developed under the Adelaide City Deal and in line with the Indigenous Business Sector Strategy (IBSS), to support Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs in a culturally relevant and supportive way, providing access to business support, capital, networks and information.

The Circle is funded through a three-year, $3 million funding agreement signed between the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and the South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC).

Lawson Dodd - Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri artist

This digital vector artwork, created by Kaurna, Narungga, and Ngarrindjeri artist Lawson Dodd, embodies the spirit of community, where people come together and ideas flow naturally. It is one of Lawson’s earliest ventures into a ‘traditional’ art style, yet its integration of modern media with cultural customs perfectly represents the First Nations Entrepreneurs Hub.

The piece features large, abstract coloured shapes that swirl into a central circle, subtly referencing the company name, The Circle. These vibrant colours in the background symbolise the diversity of collaborative ideas taking shape.

Each hue represents the unique perspectives and creativity individuals bring to the hub, highlighting the richness and depth of shared innovation. The ‘U’-shaped symbols represent people, standing proudly as Kaurna warriors alongside Kaurna shields. These warriors are paving the wave for new innovators. In the top right, visitors are shown paying their respects and contributing to the exchange and growth of knowledge within the community.

The white circular elements signify moments of collaboration and the formation of connections between communities. Together, these elements convey a powerful story of unity, innovation, and the collective journey toward a creative and collaborative future.

Circle members as at September 2024

Of Circle members are based in Metro Adelaide

0 %

Average of Business Development Sessions conducted per month (FY 23-24)

Average of referrals made to industry, Government and member to member per month (FY 23-24)

Our Team

Michael Levin

Assistant Director, The Circle - First Nations Entrepreneur Hub

Sports enjoyer

Trevor Lovegrove

Engagement Coordinator

Carpenter by trade

Lou Jayleigh

Business Development Lead

Twitcher

Emily Cashion

Administrative Support

Music scene extraordinaire

get in touch with us today !

Services we offer

Business Development Support

Streamlined access to existing services

Business Development Support

Through individual business development support, referral and connection to The Circle community. Complementing the existing incubation and start-up support services already available at Lot Fourteen.

Access to New Markets

Connection to a range of procurement

Access to New Markets

Participation opportunities across South Australia with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Where relevant, introductions to export market opportunities.

Expert Business Advice

Referral and linkages to existing support

Expert Business Advice

For key business acumen across various stages of growth. In addition, support to identify and source tailored, fit for purpose tools, initiatives, activities and support to suit the needs of an individual business.

Capability Growth

Networking opportunities and events to improve

Capability Growth

Business-to-business relationships and stimulate engagement and participation in capacity, capability, and confidence building activities.

Access to the Physical Hub

Access to meeting rooms, providing a culturally safe

Access to the Physical Hub

Place to be innovative, connect with others and conduct business from a central, well-equipped and professional location.

application process

stage 1

Before you start a membership application you will need to provide the Proof of Aboriginality for business owner/majority business owner

stage 2

Complete the Membership Application Form and email the Proof of Aboriginality for business owner/majority business owner to The Circle via email thecircle@sa.gov.au

stage 3

After your application form is reviewed and, if eligible, you will receive a welcome email from The Circle with a Membership Agreement and Code of Conduct

stage 4

The Circle will follow up with you to book a Business Development Session, either face-to-face or virtual, to determine how best The Circle can support you and your business journey

stage 5

As an outcome of the Business Development Session, The Circle identifies the relevant service/s The Circle offers, including referrals to external providers. The session also outlines what you can do to maximise opportunities

stage 6

As you continue your business journey, opportunities may arise to provide goods/services across South Australia with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Where relevant, introductions to export market opportunities

governance

The Circle – First Nations Entrepreneur Hub’s Governance Framework consists of a Senior Governance Partnership between the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

The Circle engages a Design and Delivery team, comprising First Nations business owners, who provide guidance, input and advice on service delivery elements, actions and activities undertaken by The Circle.

About Us

our history

Lawson Dodd - Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri artist