Finance solution to preserve eco-system in FNQ
A $10,000 interest-free loan from Esparq has helped a far north Queensland company quickly, secure new contracts, and repay in six months while advancing conservation projects.
Like many emerging Indigenous-led enterprises, Cairns-based Mangrove Solutions needed essential equipment to scale operations.
Esparq facilitated a strategy workshop with key stakeholders in June last year and provided ongoing advisory support throughout the year.
The funds were used to purchase a shipping container for on-site equipment storage, acquire additional tools and equipment, and strengthen cashflow through the end of the year. And Mangrove Solutions secured new service contracts in FY25, and fully repaid the loan by December 2025 – just six months after receiving it.
Founder of Mangrove Solutions, Brian Singleton.
Reflecting on the partnership, Brian Singleton, (Yirrganydji Bama) and founder of Mangrove Solutions, said: “Today is a good day for Mangrove Solutions, knowing we were able to return what was given to us in trust and returning the money to an organisation that supported Mangrove Solutions.”
Key Points
- Esparq backed Mangrove Solutions with advisory and capital in its first year
- A June 2025 $10,000 interest-free loan funded equipment and cashflow
- Loan enabled a shipping container, tools, and stronger year-end liquidity
- New FY25 service contracts supported full loan repayment by December 2025
- Wangetti Trail maintenance contract adds conservation and growth activities
- Talks underway for a Community Market Garden for a Land Trust
- Trial of mangrove trimming targets tree height in transport-critical areas
As a result Mangrove Solutions was successful with a short term contract to support track maintenance and conservation and growth along the Wangetti Trail, a 7.8-kilometre track through Macalister Range National Park and the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area.
The company also reported that the team is in discussions to build a Community Market Garden for a Land Trust. Additionally, Mangrove Solutions is leading a project that is trialling mangrove trimming to reduce tree height in critical transport areas.
These work streams point to a broader project pipeline that links conservation with practical infrastructure and community priorities.
The Wangetti Trail contract situates the team’s efforts in a high-value ecological and cultural landscape, while the proposed Community Market Garden indicates an interest in local food and community-focused outcomes. The mangrove trimming trial is framed as a targeted response to transport constraints, suggesting adaptive approaches to environmental management.
Darryl Majid, CEO and Founder of Esparq, said traditional financial institutions were often not an option for fast-growing small businesses like Mangrove Solutions.
” We knew Brian would invest the loan strategically and repay it in due course, and he’s exceeded expectations every step of the way. It’s been exciting to see Brian take the business from strength to strength within a mere two-year period, and we can’t wait to see where he takes it next,” he said.
About Mangrove Solutions
Mangrove Solutions is a 100 per cent First Nations-owned and operated environmental services company, combining cultural knowledge with scientific expertise to care for Country. They deliver hands-on conservation and restoration projects while creating meaningful employment and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Founded by Yirrganydji Bama (Person) Brian Singleton, the company is based in Cairns and works across land and sea Country within the region.
