Background
- Name: CorporateConnect.AB
- Location: South Australia, Australia
- Partner since: 2015
About CorporateConnect.AB
CorporateConnect.AB (CCAB) was established in 2010 with a mission to bridge the gap between the corporate sector and Indigenous communities increasing the economic independence of communities and individuals in remote, regional and urban areas.
CCAB directly connect the corporate sector to Indigenous enterprise, education, and employment initiatives. Their dedicated team collaborates with businesses and government agencies to enhance life opportunities for Indigenous Australians. Over the years, they've partnered with more than 400 high-profile organisations and numerous state and federal departments facilitating authentic and meaningful Indigenous engagement, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
CCAB were alongside the first 13 businesses to become Supply Nation members.
Our Impact
In partnership with CorporateConnect.AB (CCAB) and Supply Nation we have created the Indigenous Art Series Cups. The humble coffee cup features stunning artwork acting as a vehicle to raise funds for their work and raise the profile of the First Nations artists.
Proceeds from the Indigenous Art Series cups directly support CorporateConnect.AB's (CCAB) pro-bono work assisting Indigenous youth. Cup sales support activities for the Ethan Indigenous IT Cadetship Program, which teaches Australian and Torres Strait Islander youth digital literacy and provides pathways to careers in IT and administrative services.
As a profit for purpose business, we have an obligation to preserve and protect the environment and to give back and support the communities that we operate in. We are honoured to be able to help put First Nations art into the hands of our community and to support CorporateConnect.AB in the work they do.
The Original Indigenous Cup
The very first Indigenous Cup featured the beloved Indigenous turtle art painted by Keith Brown.
Keith Brown was born in 1948 in the picturesque Guyra, New England Tablelands of New South Wales. His deep connection to the land, culture, and heritage is evident in his remarkable artwork.
Keith's artistic journey is a testament to his passion and dedication. He discovered his love for Aboriginal art later in life, crafting boomerangs from mulga tree elbows and adorning them with unique designs. More recently, he has ventured into canvas and larger creations, inspired by the rich colours, contours, and textures of the north-western and western regions of NSW, where he grew up.
Reimaging the Indigenous Cup
Customers and cafes around Australia love our original Indigenous Cup often calling it the Turtle Cup.
We’re updating this range introducing three new cup designs from local Indigenous Artists – Davinder Hart, Kulka Fahey and Amy Saunders. These new cups are launching ahead of 2024 NAIDOC week. The Indigenous Art Series Cups will be updated every 6 months to showcase a range of talented artists around Australia.
Why We Support This Charity
Together, we are building community capacity one cup at a time.
About the Charity
Established in 2010, CorporateConnect.AB works to 'close the gap' in Indigenous disadvantage and to increase the economic independence of communities and individuals in remote, regional and urban areas. CorporateConnect.AB has a pro-bono section that dedicates time and resources to assisting communities where they work with their more immediate youth engagement and employment needs that fall outside funded programs.
Our Impact
In partnership with CorporateConnect.AB (CCAB) and Supply Nation, we run The Coffee Cup Initiative to raise funds for their work. As part of this initiative, we offer a Indigenous Series BioCup featuring Aboriginal artwork as a permanent fixture in our product range. Using the humble coffee cup as a canvas, this series features Indigenous artist Keith Brown’s art.
BioCup Indigenous Series cups
Proceeds from the Indigenous BioCup Series help CorporateConnect.AB continue their work developing practical, innovative, sustainable and strategic solutions for Indigenous employment and economic advancement.These products help support CCAB’s important community work which falls outside of funded programs.
Income from The Coffee Cup Initiative has and continues to fund a range of capacity building strategies. CCAB has worked with communities in the following ways:
- Travel assistance and introductions for key Aboriginal representatives to meet with government and corporate partners in order to gain funding and support for the economic development activities in their communities.
- Financial support and skills development for the training and costs associated in engaging local Aboriginal Financial Literacy Officers to service community members.
- Financial assistance and consultancy time to gain business backing for Indigenous businesses.
- Professional expertise in tender writing, business plan development and grant proposals.
- Sourcing work experience opportunities for Indigenous youth particularly from rural and remote areas of Australia.
- The provision of quality resources to remote and regional youth centres including musical equipment.
- Across Australia we provide assistance with community fundraising events.
- Mentoring and coaching support to Indigenous community leaders.
- Work ready skills development.
- Support to regional Aboriginal Lands Councils for project planning, tender writing and professional skills development.
- Project management support and expertise.
As a socially and responsible business, we have an obligation to preserve and protect the environment and to give back and support the communities that we operate in. We are honoured to be able to help put Aboriginal art into the hands of our community and to support CorporateConnect.AB in the work they do.
