Skip to main content

Multicultural business and programs

Link copied

Get involved in the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business programs. Apply for the scholarships to grow your business skills and capabilities.

Discover the business initiatives supporting Brisbane’s culturally diverse business community.

The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards celebrate multicultural business leaders in Brisbane. They recognise creativity, innovation and resilience across the economy and community.

Take the first step towards a new career. Build business capability with the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program. Get free business skills training in areas including leadership, marketing and management.

Find out about the eligibility criteria and how to apply to take advantage of these opportunities.

Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards program

The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards celebrate multicultural businesses in Brisbane. They recognise creativity, innovation and resilience across the economy and community.

Nominations for the 2027 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards will open in 2027. 

The 2026 award winners were announced at the 2026 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards event on Thursday 22 October 2026 at Brisbane City Hall.

Award winners

Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year 

This award honours the success, creativity, and energy of a multicultural business leader under 35. It celebrates their community contribution and Brisbane’s ongoing economic prosperity.

2026 Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year - Jen Ravenswood, Founder and CEO, RAYS Wellness

An Australian-born daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Jen is the Founder and CEO of RAYS Wellness, a rapidly growing healthcare and pharmacy network serving more than 60,000 patients across Australia. She opened her first pharmacy at just 24 years of age and has since built multiple successful healthcare ventures. Through innovation, technology and patient-centred care, Jen is helping transform healthcare delivery across Australia. Recognised through national industry awards, she is also committed to workforce development, inclusion and improving healthcare access for diverse communities.

Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year 

This award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader who has shown outstanding progress early in their career and business. The award recognises success in business innovation and new products or services. It also celebrates a strong commitment to giving back to the community.

2026 Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year – Helena Uhm, Founder and Director, Inoya

Originally from South Korea, Helena is the Founder and Director of Inoya, a Brisbane-based period care company focused on sustainable, non-toxic period products. Drawing on her background in public health and her personal experiences as a woman and mother, she launched Inoya to challenge industry standards and improve transparency, product safety and education in menstrual health. Through independently tested products, advocacy and community partnerships, Helena is helping address menstrual health challenges and period poverty. Her purpose-driven approach combines innovation with social impact, empowering women to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader. It highlights business success, entrepreneurial flair, and innovation as a core growth strategy. The recipient will personify the best in entrepreneurialism, possessing qualities from clear leadership and sound management to determination and ambition.

2026 Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year – Eddie Cho, Founder and Director, The Hideout Specialty Coffee

Born in South Korea and having arrived in Australia in 2013, Eddie is the Founder and Director of The Hideout Specialty Coffee. Starting with a single café, he has grown the business into a multi-site hospitality operation known for quality coffee, innovation and exceptional customer experience. Overcoming language barriers and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eddie introduced new service models and operational systems that supported rapid growth. He is passionate about creating employment pathways for migrants and young people, while contributing to Brisbane’s vibrant hospitality and multicultural communities.

Multicultural Business Person of the Year

This award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader. They successfully export products and services from Brisbane across Australia, the Asia Pacific, or internationally. It celebrates the recipient’s contribution to Brisbane’s economy. It also recognises them as a local enterprise champion with a global outlook.

2026 Multicultural Business Person of the Year – Marcela Lapertosa, Co-Founder and Director, Education at Value Learning

Originally from Argentina, Marcela is the Co-Founder and Director of Education at Value Learning, an intercultural training and consulting business helping organisations build inclusive and culturally capable workplaces. Her background in cross-cultural psychology and lived migrant experience have shaped her dedication to fostering understanding across cultures. Through partnerships with government, education and corporate sectors, Marcela delivers programs that promote inclusion, global citizenship and intercultural competence. She is also a passionate community leader, serving as President of LatinOz Queensland and supporting initiatives that empower migrants and women in business.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards, you must:

  • be from a multicultural or culturally and linguistically diverse background, with at least one natural parent born in a country other than Australia
  • have Australian citizenship or hold permanent residency
  • live in the Brisbane Local Government Area
  • operate a business within the Brisbane Local Government Area, and have a registered Australian Business Number.
tip

Important things to know

  • Nominated individuals must meet the eligibility criteria. 
  • Only nomination forms submitted online, with all fields completed and required supporting documentation attached, will be accepted.

Frequently asked questions

You can apply for multiple award categories in the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards. You must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a separate nomination form for each category.

You cannot edit your nomination for the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards once it’s been submitted. We recommend you take time to review the eligibility and award criteria before drafting your nomination. You can save and return to your entry to make edits before making a submission.

Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards event

The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards is an annual event at Brisbane City Hall. It celebrates the achievements of Brisbane’s multicultural business community.

The event brings together leaders from Brisbane’s multicultural and business communities. Winners of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards are announced.

Expand your professional network and connect with like-minded leaders from diverse multicultural backgrounds. Be part of the celebrations as the Lord Mayor announces the award winners, joined by special guests.

2026 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards event

The 2026 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards event was successfully held on Thursday 22 October at Brisbane City Hall, marking the 20th anniversary of the event.

Congratulations to the 2026 award winners and finalists, and thank you to everyone who helped celebrate the achievements of Brisbane's multicultural business community.

Read about the 2026 award winners.

lightbulb

Did you know?

Proceeds from the event support the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program the following year. The program provides aspiring business leaders with the knowledge and skills to expand their capabilities. 

More information

Contact Council's International Relations and Multicultural Affairs team on 07 3403 8888 or multiculturalunit@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program

Access a range of business training courses with the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program.

The program offers up-and-coming business leaders the chance to expand their knowledge and skills. 

Unlock better career opportunities with training options ranging from one-day workshops and short courses to diploma and bachelor degrees.

Since 2008, the program has delivered more than 750 scholarships.

Benefits of the scholarship program

The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program gives you access to:

  • recognised qualifications 
  • networking opportunities with educational and industry mentors
  • pathways towards further qualifications
  • the opportunity to learn from industry experts. 

Check your eligibility 

To be considered for the scholarship program, you must:

  • be from a multicultural or culturally and linguistically diverse background, with at least one natural parent born in a country other than Australia
  • have Australian citizenship or hold permanent residency
  • reside in the Brisbane Local Government Area.
information outline

Note

While previous scholarship recipients can apply for the scholarship program again, priority will be given to new applicants.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program are closed. You will be able to apply for the 2027 program in 2027.

2026 course list

Courses offered for the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program include:

This beginner‑friendly program introduces small and medium business owners, managers and staff to artificial intelligence basics. It uses clear, simple language for everyday business use. Participants learn what AI is and is not. They explore practical uses and practise everyday tasks like writing, summarising and planning. By the end of the course, participants will understand key AI concepts and where AI can add value. They will create prompts, assess outputs, and develop a simple, low-risk action plan considering ethical, legal and risk factors.

This program includes 5 half-day sessions (4 hours each, totalling 20 hours). The sessions will be delivered face-to-face on campus at ACTIT.

For more information, visit Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology.

This accessible, hands‑on program helps SMEs strengthen their cyber resilience using trusted ACSC guidance and the Essential Eight. Participants learn how to recognise cyber threats and secure devices and data. They apply simple security controls and respond confidently to incidents. Whether new to cyber security or improving existing practices, the course offers practical steps. Organisations can use these actions immediately to protect systems, information and business reputation.

This program includes 5 half-day sessions (4 hours each, totalling 20 hours). The sessions will be delivered face-to-face on campus at ACTIT.

For more information, visit Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology.

The Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management is an advanced-level course for aspiring travel or tourism managers. It also provides foundation skills for further study in the field.

The qualification provides high-level communication and technical skills to manage a travel or tourism business. Skills include budgeting, leading teams, planning e-marketing strategies, and selling tourism products and services.

The course is designed in consultation with travel and tourism industry representatives. ACTIT's expert trainers ensure you are ready for the industry. You will gain hands-on and theoretical knowledge through workplace experience and ACTIT training.

For more information, visit Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology.

The Company Directors Course™ is one of the most established and reputable governance courses in the world. Delivered by directors for directors, this course suits current and first‑time directors. It also supports aspiring directors, senior executives, business leaders and board advisors.

Using real-world case studies and simulations, the curriculum covers topics including legislation, risk and strategy, and financial literacy.

With an understanding of organisational governance, students gain knowledge and skills needed to navigate corporate boardrooms and change. 

A 12-month membership with the AICD gives you access to 53,000 directors, senior executives, and government professionals. It also gives you access to resources, courses and events to support your professional development.

For more information, visit Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

This program is designed to help aspiring designers launch their own fashion label.

Participants will gain practical skills from industry experts. These include sourcing fabrics, creating templates, understanding labelling requirements, and other steps to start a fashion business.

The scholarship is open to individuals who dream of starting their own fashion line but have faced financial barriers. It is exclusively available to applicants committed to establishing and managing their business in Brisbane.

The program content is flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the awarded recipient.

information outline

Note: 

This scholarship does not cover costs associated with hiring pattern makers, machinists, or purchasing fabrics for garments or samples. All operational expenses are the responsibility of the recipient.

Family and diaspora connections can open doors to international markets. Success in exporting and importing still relies on strong commercial foundations.

This 2‑part online webinar series helps businesses understand international trade. It also supports best‑practice approaches when working with trusted overseas partners. The focus is on moving from informal, relationship-led opportunities to structured, compliant, and scalable international trade operations.

This series will be delivered across 2 sessions with each session running for 1 hour from 12-1pm. 

For more information, visit the Export Council of Australia.

A business degree provides a strong foundation across all business areas. It also offers deeper knowledge and experience in your chosen fields.

Griffith Business School holds a 5-star rating for educational experience and teaching quality in business and management. This rating is from the Good Universities Guide 2021, a leading provider of education and career information.

Applicants for this scholarship must already be enrolled in an undergraduate business degree at Griffith University and be completing at least one major in:

  • Asian business
  • international business
  • entrepreneurship and self-employment
  • economics; and/or
  • finance.

Clear communication is a powerful business tool. This online program builds confidence and structure for explaining ideas clearly. Participants learn to earn trust and buy‑in without slides or performance.

Designed for high-stakes conversations, it teaches a practical, outcomes-focused approach to strategic communication. Participants learn how to clarify their ask, read the room, and craft messages that stand up under pressure.

This program includes:

  • lifetime access to Pitch Camp's Online Boot Camp
  • 12 months access to Pitchcraft – a pre-pitch clarity engine with rehearsal tools.

By the end, participants will have:

  • a clear structure for pitches and projects
  • a simple framework for high-stakes conversations
  • strategies for handling questions and curveballs
  • tools to keep improving.

For more information, visit Pitch Camp.

This diploma provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively lead teams and drive organisational success. It helps you build key skills in communication, critical thinking and emotional intelligence. You will be better prepared to tackle complex challenges with confidence.

In this course you will learn to:

  • communicate effectively to influence and support individuals and teams.
  • develop critical thinking skills in others and lead diverse and effective workplace relationships.
  • manage business operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, and sustainability practices.
  • apply emotional intelligence to enhance leadership and team effectiveness.
  • plan, implement, and oversee projects to meet organisational goals.
  • build and maintain key business relationships to drive growth and success.

For more information, visit Rhodes Business School. 

This 3-day workshop focuses on emotional intelligence (EQ) to help drive success, foster collaboration, and inspire high-performing teams.

Participants gain skills to enhance self-awareness, manage emotions under pressure, and communicate with impact.

As a participant you'll learn to:

  • master the 5 components of EQ – self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.
  • develop strategies to recognise emotional triggers and regulate responses effectively.
  • strengthen active listening, conflict resolution, and feedback techniques. 
  • manage stress and make emotionally intelligent decisions in high-pressure environments.
  • foster trust, motivation, and engagement within teams using EQ-driven leadership approaches.
  • create a personalised EQ leadership action plan for continued development.

For more information, visit Rhodes Business School.

Achieve your dream of operating your own business by developing skills and a broad knowledge base in this specialised qualification.

This course suits small business owners, start‑up leaders and entrepreneurs. It helps build business management skills and knowledge. Build skills and knowledge across core business areas. These include finance, legal and risk management, marketing, and writing business proposals.

During your studies, you will be guided by an experienced mentor from the business community. They will work with you to develop a business plan tailored to grow your business.

To be eligible for this course, you must be a small business owner or operator. This must have been within the last 12 months.

This course will be delivered via one-on-one mentoring sessions arranged between the mentor and student. The sessions may be online or at one of our TAFE Queensland Brisbane campuses.

Frequently asked questions

Networking opportunities offered through the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program include:

  • the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards
  • other relevant invitation-only events via Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs team.

When you apply for the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program, you can choose up to 2 preferred courses.

More information

For more information about this program:

Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Round Table

Brisbane is a diverse city with many cultures, languages, and religions. Its multicultural community has greatly contributed to the city's prosperity. This community continues to play a key role in Brisbane’s economic development.

The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Round Table is an independent advisory group. It was established in 2005 to support multicultural communities. The group acts as a two-way link between Brisbane City Council and multicultural business and community representatives.

Since its establishment, the Lord Mayor's Multicultural Round Table has played a key advisory role. It identifies important issues and emerging trends impacting Brisbane's multicultural business community. It ensures that Council remains well-informed and equipped to address the needs and concerns of this vibrant and diverse community.

Community business representatives leverage their knowledge and connections within multicultural business communities and acquire connections to their relevant business communities.

The current community business representatives are: 

Member Representing
Ms Kerry Xynias Chair
Mr Victor Asoyo African community
Mr Michael Ma Chinese community
Mr Serge Voloschenko OAM Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)
Ms Connie da Cunha Filipino community
Mrs Betty Moinet French community
Mr Ron Pennekamp German community
Mr Bico Athanasas Greek community
Mr Michael Yau OAM Hong Kong community
Mr Umesh Chandra OAM Indian community
Mr David Widjaja Indonesian community
Mr Bob Bishop Israeli community
The Hon. Santo Santoro Italian community
Ms Yoko Hintz Japanese community
Mr Sebastian Toro Latin American community
Mr Adonis Ghanem Lebanese community
Mr Wai-Kiong Chan Malaysian community
Mr Mohamad Farouk Adam OAM Muslim community
Mr Andrew Foo Singaporean community
Mr Tenny Kim South Korean community
Dr Jay Weerawardena Sri Lankan community
Mr Kevin Pai Taiwanese community
Mr Turgut Manli Turkish community
Ms Kieu Oanh Do  Vietnamese community

More information

If you are interested in learning more about Brisbane City Council’s Multicultural Affairs program, contact Council by:

  • email 
  • phone 07 3403 8888
  • mail:
    Multicultural Affairs program
    GPO Box 2287
    Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia.