Three young Aboriginal entrepreneurs have been named the next Ember Connect Game Changers – sharing in $10,000 in grants for their small businesses. 

Ember Connect Game Changer Grants support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across a variety of professional, cultural and personal enrichment activities. Round 2 focused on supporting women grow their small businesses or side hustles. 

Wamba Wamba woman Taleesha Davis received a $5,000 Game Changer grant towards her small business Lash and Beauty by Taleesha. Taleesha will use the funding to undertake specialist training and expand her services. 

 “I feel as an Aboriginal woman there isn’t much support for women like us,” Taleesha wrote in her application. “We deserve to be successful women, to provide for our family, and I want to be the change to build financial freedom for my future.  

“This grant would change my life as I’ve been working so hard to be the change for my future and my little family, by showing my daughter that nothing comes easy, and you must work hard. With it starting with me I can share this successful business with her one day.” 

Banjima woman Keshi Moore and Palawa woman Maggie Blanden also received a $5,000 Game Changer Grant, which will support their co-founded initiative, Naarm Law Students. Keshi and Maggie are recent graduates of Melbourne Law School and established Naarm Law Students to provide free community legal education to young people. 

“By equipping youth with knowledge about their rights and the legal resources available to them, we empower them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves effectively.” Keshi and Maggie wrote in their application.  

“Educating young people also fosters a culture of legal literacy from an early age, helping to build a foundation for more informed, engaged, and resilient future citizens. In the next 12 months, Naarm Law Students aims to facilitate at least 40 educational sessions, building on topics such as protest rights, renters’ rights, and an introduction to the court system.  

“Our goal is to collaborate with other organisations offering similar services, such as Melbourne Activities Legal Support, to create a unified network of legal education for youth.” 

Ember Connect General Manager Narelle Henry thanked all women who applied for Round 2. 

“We had an amazing response to Round 2 of our Game Changer Grants, and we thank everyone who applied for sharing their aspirations with us,” Narelle said. “Whether you’re seeking structured mentoring or quick advice from someone in the industry, or connection to opportunities, knowledge or people, you can find them on Ember Connect.  

“We have been so inspired by the amazing women seeking help for their side hustle we’re busy exploring new ways to connect members with practical support through our partners.  Stay tuned for more developments via our Feed. 

“Ember Connect Live houses a community of collective capital where the most generous, supportive women gather daily, ready to connect, share and elevate in any way they can. There are endless possibilities available that are just a few clicks away.”