In a significant development for Indigenous business investment, First Australians Capital (FAC) announced the appointment of Black Excellence Fund Co-Founder Kyah Bell to lead its newest commercial impact initiative.

The strategic merger brings together two powerful forces in Indigenous business development, combining FAC’s established network with Bell’s innovative approach to capital investment. The move is set to reshape financial support for Indigenous entrepreneurs who have traditionally faced barriers in accessing conventional funding.

“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 said. She emphasised that the partnership would expand her existing work with the Black Excellence Fund while creating broader opportunities for Indigenous communities.

The appointment signals a new direction in Indigenous business financing, with Bell’s expertise in connecting capital to community values complementing FAC’s established infrastructure. Mi-Lin Finnie, Managing Director of Relationships at FAC, highlighted the strategic importance of the merger: “Her leadership brings new energy and vision to our work, allowing us to deepen our impact through a new equity product.”

Under Bell’s leadership, the new Black Excellence Fund (BEF) initiative will focus on delivering strategic investments that combine economic returns with social outcomes. The program aims to address the historical underservicing of Indigenous entrepreneurs by traditional financial systems while maintaining cultural integrity.

“This is more than just a collaboration,” Bell noted. “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.”