Announcing Finalists – Inaugural TOP First Nations Small Business Award 2026
Revealed: Finalists for the Top First Nations Small Business Award
Power Retail All Star Bash 2026
We’re proud to join Power Retail in announcing the finalists for the inaugural Top First Nations Small Business Award — a landmark moment for Australia’s retail industry and an important step forward in recognising First Nations retailers excellence in ecommerce.
This year marks the first time a major retail industry awards program has included a dedicated category recognising First Nations–led retailers. Presented at the 2026 Power Retail All Star Bash, the award has been developed through a partnership between Power Retail and Aboriginal Retail Australia to spotlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses achieving both commercial success and meaningful impact through online retail — alongside Australia’s leading mainstream retailers.
The announcement of finalists is a genuine good-news story. It comes after several challenging years for First Nations retailers, who — like much of the sector — have navigated rising operating costs, cost-of-living pressures, online harm, and difficult business decisions, including scaling back or closing operations. Against this backdrop, the strength, resilience and innovation demonstrated by this year’s finalists is something to be celebrated.
Finalists for the Top First Nations Small Business Award are:
Clothing The Gaps (VIC)
Gardening on Country (VIC)
Kakadu Organics (QLD)
Melbourne Jerky (VIC)
Songlines A.C.E (NSW)
Yaala Sparkling (NSW)
Yaye (NT)
The Power Retail All Star Bash — to be held on 12 March 2026 at Crown Palladium, Melbourne — is the premier retail industry awards night, recognising the outstanding work shaping Australia’s retail sector today.
We’re thrilled to reveal the 2026 finalists:
🌟 2026 Top First Nations Small Business Award Finalists
A bold and widely recognised fashion brand, Clothing The Gaps uses streetwear as a platform for advocacy, education and change. With powerful messaging and strong community roots, the brand has built a national and international following while driving important conversations around equity and justice.
Gardening on Country blends culture, sustainability and wellbeing through Indigenous-led land care and gardening tools. Their ecommerce presence supports education, resources and programs that reconnect people to Country.
Known for its premium skincare and wellness products, Kakadu Organics centres Indigenous bush botanical ingredients and knowledges. The brand has successfully translated cultural integrity into a scalable ecommerce model, now reaching customers globally.
Melbourne Jerky is a standout example of innovation in the food and grocery space. Combining bold, unique flavours and a loyal online customer base, the business continues to grow its ecommerce footprint while proudly representing First Nations entrepreneurship.
Songlines A.C.E delivers culturally informed education resources that support learning through Indigenous perspectives. Their online store plays a vital role in making high-quality, curriculum-aligned materials accessible to schools, organisations and families across Australia.
A refreshing entrant to the beverage market, Yaala Sparkling blends native ingredients with contemporary branding. Through ecommerce, the business is carving out a unique space in the beverage sector while celebrating Indigenous flavours, stories and innovation.
Yaye is a a First Nations skincare brand creating high-quality, natural products grounded in care, connection and contemporary Indigenous enterprise. With a strong focus on wellbeing and everyday ritual. Yaye blends thoughtful products with native botanical sourcing and cultural knowledge.
Celebrating First Nations Excellence in Retail
The Top First Nations Small Business Award recognises some of the top certified First Nations owned brands in Australia in 2026. This award acknowledges First Nations retailers and ensures they are seen and celebrated alongside Australia’s leading brands.
We congratulate all finalists on their incredible achievements and look forward to the industry recognition and celebrating with the wider retail sector at the 2026 Power Retail – All Star Bash.
