Why we exist
We believe First Nations Entrepreneurship can change the world for the better.
After running the world’s first Indigenous Startup Weekend and Business Accelerator in 2016, Dean Foley — a Kamilaroi man from Gunnedah — created Barayamal: a First Nations charity now leading a national and worldwide movement.
“Barayamal” — black swan, in Gamilaraay
ACNC-registered charity
DGR status with the ATO
It started with a question
“Why rely on the Government for help when we can do it ourselves?”
The question that started Barayamal
When an aspiring entrepreneur asked that question, they set out to make a difference — and Barayamal was the answer.
Dean Foley wanted First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs to have a place to start, grow and learn. Today Barayamal backs that ambition with programs, products, events and investment — and a podcast for Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigipreneurs.
The gap we refuse to accept
First Nations employment is rising — but a 22-point gap remains, and at this pace closing it fully would take decades. That is the gap entrepreneurship can help close.
Employment rate, First Nations vs non-Indigenous Australians
Per cent employed, aged 25–64 · Closing the Gap Target 8
Source: Productivity Commission, Closing the Gap Annual Data Report (Target 8) — ABS Census 2016 and 2021, persons aged 25–64. Bars 0–100%.
Achieving self-determination and making our communities more resilient is possible. All we have to do is empower Indigenous people with the tools they need to take control. We need to act now.
See how you can help ↓The Golden Circle
Most organisations know what they do. Some know how. We start from why — and everything we build flows outward from it.
Click a ring — or a tab — to explore
We believe that First Nations Entrepreneurship can change the world for the better.
That belief is the core of everything — the reason Barayamal exists, and the test every program and product must pass.
The core of the circle — and of the organisation.
What that belief has built
Not a plan on a shelf — live programs and products you can use today. We build solutions, run programs, organise events and invest in startups.
First Nations Pre-Accelerator
The founder program — from idea to investable venture.
Explore → JOBSFirst Nations Job Board
Indigenous jobs across four countries — connecting job seekers with employers in every Australian state.
Find a role → ACCOUNTABILITYIndigiReviews
Community reviews of 200+ organisations claiming Reconciliation commitments.
Read reviews → SAVINGSFirstCard
A free discount card for First Nations peoples — real offers, no cost.
Get the card → MENTORINGeMentoring
Matching First Nations founders with experienced mentors, online.
Meet mentors → DAILY TOOLSFree Chrome extensions
FN Quotes and the FN Art Exhibition — everyday First Nations wisdom and art in your browser.
Add to Chrome →400+ people start their day with our free tools · rated 5.0★ on the Chrome Web Store · explore all projects →
Five ways to stand with us
Supporting First Nations communities starts with understanding — and turns into action. Here’s the path.
Understand the issues
Poverty, health, education and employment gaps have a history. Start by learning it.
See our impact → 2Choose real allies
Research before you back anyone — learn to spot blakwashing and token gestures.
Read the guide → 3Donate
Fund the programs directly. Eligible donations are tax-deductible (DGR).
Give today → 4Give your time
Volunteer your craft — events, fundraising, mentoring, skills.
Volunteer → 5Hire First Nations talent
Post roles on the Job Board and spread the word in your workplace.
Post a job →Join us as we grow into a world leader.
You can play a role in closing the disparity gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians — starting today.
A registered charity, accountable to you
Barayamal is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Eligible tax-deductible donations have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.
Our charitable purposes
- Providing benevolent relief to Indigenous Australians, particularly through addressing disempowerment and lack of opportunities in Indigenous communities.
- Empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs to create equal opportunities for Indigenous Australians in employment and business, alleviate distress, misfortune and suffering caused by Indigenous unemployment, underemployment and underrepresentation in the business community — and close the economic gap.