Kyah Bell to lead new Indigenous initiative at FAC

Kyah Bell has been appointed to lead First Australians Capital's newest commercial impact initiative, the BEF.

First Australians Capital (FAC) announced the appointment of Bell, who co-founded the Black Excellence Fund, as part of its mission to support Indigenous businesses. Bell brings a wealth of experience in innovative capital investment, and her involvement signifies an effort to enhance opportunities for First Nations entrepreneurship.

Bell's career has largely focused on connecting capital with community values to create economic opportunities that maintain cultural integrity and sustainability. Her work through the Black Excellence Fund involves creating impactful financial solutions for Indigenous entrepreneurs, particularly those underserved by conventional financial systems. Reflecting on her new role, Bell expressed the strategic compatibility between her objectives and those of FAC.

"For me, joining First Australians Capital made a lot of sense; my concept needed an investment house, so joining forces felt like I'm home," Bell stated. "FAC's vision aligns with mine, and together, we have the potential to reshape how Indigenous businesses are supported and grow. This partnership offers an incredible opportunity to expand on the work I've been doing with the Black Excellence Fund and to build something even more impactful for our communities."

Mi-Lin Finnie, Managing Director of Relationships at FAC, welcomed Bell's appointment, emphasising the new vision and energy she brings to the organisation's initiatives. "We are delighted to welcome Kyah Bell into the FAC family," Finnie said. "Her leadership brings new energy and vision to our work, allowing us to deepen our impact through a new equity product. Kyah's experience with the Black Excellence Fund adds a critical new dimension to our commercial impact strategy."

The new BEF, under Bell's direction, aims to support Indigenous businesses via strategic investments that not only yield economic returns but also achieve social outcomes. This initiative seeks to combine innovative strategies with a robust respect for culture.

Bell further articulated her views on her engagement with FAC, stating, "This is more than just a collaboration. It's about elevating Indigenous businesses and proving that when we work together, we can create lasting change that benefits not just our people, but the entire economy."

Both FAC and Bell are aligned in their dedication to transforming the landscape for Indigenous businesses. FAC, which has supported hundreds of Indigenous businesses and levered substantial capital for their growth, aims to continue fostering environments where entrepreneurship and cultural values contribute to economic success. Bell's association with FAC is anticipated to bolster these efforts further, focusing on growth and innovation while honouring First Nations heritage and aspirations.