Rainforest tourism business gains funding for accelerated growth

Rainforest to Bush Cultural Experiences has raised $40,000 with the Esparq Futures Fund, run by Esparq Ventures, to expand its offerings from a walking tour to delivering unique overnight experiences in far north Queensland.

“As our business started growing, we needed funding but didn’t have all the paperwork the big banks usually ask for,” Allan Anderson, Co-founder of RTBCE, said.

“Esparq Ventures took the time to really understand our business and see our potential. They backed us with the funding we needed to buy a tour bus, which has made a huge difference.”

Esparq started supporting RTBCE at the business ideation stage, and has helped the founders adopt an iterative approach to refining, launching and growing the business.

“Allan’s resourcefulness and creative thinking made him an exciting partner for us,” Darryl Majid, CEO and Founder of Esparq Ventures, said.

“When RTBCE started, they didn’t have a vehicle to use, but this didn’t stop Allan – he started with a walking tour, and hasn’t looked back since. We’re proud to be supporting RTBCE as they continue to reach for new heights.”

Mr Anderson said the tourism business gives visitors an immersive cultural experience across our traditional homelands of Yidinji and Mbabaram Countries.

Making dreams happen

“The funding gave us what we needed to continue to grow the business and make our dreams happen,” he said.

“Traditional financial institutions didn’t see the potential we saw, but with Esparq’s support we were able to capitalise on the early traction the business created in the market while building sustainable back-office functions like finance and HR to ensure we were set up to grow and scale long-term.

“Now, with additional funding through the Esparq Futures Fund, we’re ready to take that next step and show those traditional financial institutions what they missed out on.”

The Esparq Futures Fund was set up to attract and deploy funds differently, dedicated to supporting Indigenous-led businesses well-positioned to scale and set off a chain reaction of business success throughout the Indigenous economy and network.

This capital is a good will loan with unique parameters, providing early capital access to Rainforest to Bush Cultural Experiences, while allowing flexibility and empathy as the business navigates a rapid growth journey.

About Rainforest to Bush Cultural Experiences

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland, Rainforest To Bush invites travellers to experience the rich Aboriginal cultures of the Yidinji and Mbabaram peoples.

Proudly 100 per cent family-owned and operated, RTBCE’s lineage stretches from the World Heritage-listed rainforests of the Yidinji Nation to the vast savannah bushlands of Mbabaram Country. RTBCE offers daily tours as well as private tailored experiences across traditional homelands.

To learn more visit https://rainforesttobush.com/

About Esparq Ventures

Founded in 2024, Esparq Ventures (Esparq) is working with Indigenous entrepreneurs to build a thriving First Nations business ecosystem. This includes building innovative Indigenous ventures to unlock the potential of whole business sectors and supporting Indigenous businesses to thrive and grow in a self-determined, resilient and connected Indigenous economy.

Esparq has a 100 per cent Indigenous membership and majority Indigenous Board.

Find out more at www.esparq.com.au