EY: supporting entry to international markets
A collaboration between Supply Nation and corporate member EY is creating exciting pathways for Indigenous businesses to launch into international markets.
Launched in May last year, the Advance Export Program is designed to support Indigenous businesses as they explore and pursue global opportunities. The six-month pilot program brought together five Supply Nation verified Indigenous-owned businesses from diverse sectors.
The program delivers a tailored curriculum, one-to-one mentorship and market access opportunities to help businesses build export readiness, scale sustainably and strengthen their global competitiveness.
Participants were selected through an expression of interest process and required to fulfil specific criteria related to readiness for international markets.
The initial cohort consisted of Warida Wholistic (healing and wellbeing), Zincoat (anti-corrosive coatings), Quarterbac Advisory (technology solutions for asset management), Tika EQ (business advisory-equity and inclusion) and Elephant in the Room Consulting (management consulting, mentoring and coaching to businesses).
EY’s global trade specialists, together with Supply Nation’s cultural and business expertise, created a safe, high-impact environment where business owners could explore global opportunities while staying grounded in Culture and purpose.
Outcomes from the program were immediate. Participants identified and progressed international opportunities across markets such as Thailand, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Japan, the United States and Vietnam.
Several of the businesses reshaped their existing global strategies as a direct result of the program
“We have gained a lot of valuable knowledge, Zincoat is now poised to export, will be engaged with EY, Supply Nation, Austrade, Export Finance Australia and others, and we look forward to sharing our experience for the benefit of all First Nations peoples and our associates,” said Mick Morris, Zincoat Pty Ltd.
The initial cohort established a strong dynamic sense of community and highlighted the value of connecting with other Indigenous business leaders and learning in a culturally safe, collaborative space.
Dave Robinson of Quarterbac Advisory said, “Going through the program with other Indigenous business leaders was a fantastic experience with lots of great connection. I would highly recommend this program to any business leaders looking to understand the dynamics of global exporting and expansion.”
The programs commitment to mentorship was consistently described as transformational, helping founders clarify their vision, accelerate decision-making and build confidence to engage internationally.
Jenni Walke, CEO and Founder, Elephant in the Roon Consulting commented, “I thoroughly valued my experience in the Advance Export Program delivered by Supply Nation and EY. The mentoring support was particularly impactful, helping me gain clarity around key challenges and develop clear, actionable solutions. The connections established across EY were invaluable and provided meaningful guidance throughout the program. I would strongly recommend the Advance Export Program to any business seeking to strengthen its capability and expand its reach.”
The success of the pilot has led to the program being extended and expanded for 2026. From 2026, the Advance Export Program is a fully established initiative that will empower and support Australian First Nations, Māori and Pasifika businesses to expand their global reach.
The 2026 program to be launched in May in collaboration with New Zealand’s Amotai, will include 10 businesses (seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and three Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs).
“Absolutely honoured to be part of the inaugural Advance Export Program 2025, established by EY and Supply Nation. This program brought together skilled, knowledgeable global specialists who provided powerful, targeted exporting insights. Their support helped me take a critical, strategic approach to expanding my services further, exporting in a way that felt grounded, culturally aligned and genuinely achievable,” concluded Bianca Stawiarski, Founder, Warida Wholistic.
