Company: FD Global Connections, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Company Description: FD Global Connections is Australia's boutique scaleup specialist supporting companies to expand into the USA. Founded in 2014 by our CEO, Trena Blair, our personalised, responsive approach and ability to create unique strategies and programs, means our services are highly sought from Australian Federal Government, and ASX Listed companies through to Small Business.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Female Entrepreneur in Asia, Australia or New Zealand
 Nomination Title: Trena Blair CEO
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2020 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 248 words used.
- Boosting Female Founder Initiative (2020-2023):
- Trena was appointed mentor for the Australian government’s initiative and to date has mentored eight female founders.
- AICD’s Women’s Entrepreneur Program (2020):
- At the end of 2020, Trena finalised the governance program she designed and led. The 50 female entrepreneurs received scholarships to participate.
- Nasdaq Entrepreneur Centre USA (commenced 2021):
- Trena’s unique skills as an international market expansion expert were recognised by her appointment as a mentor for global entrepreneurs.
- Global Trade Professionals’ (GTP) 2021 annual “Festival of Inclusive Trade” Fireside Chat:
- Trena and Anthony Bastic (AGB Events CEO) openly shared how they secured Australia’s first exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
- SomnoMed’s Multimillion-Dollar Expansion Into The U.S:
- Undertook a detailed and comprehensive research project from August 2020 for this ASX-listed MedTech company to identify a specific location to establish its first U.S.-based mill manufacturing site.
- Farmbot’s Scalability Audit:
- Conducted an audit of the entire operations to assess if they were ready to scale into the U.S. market. This comprehensive audit critically assessed Farmbot’s capability and capacity to expand offshore.
- Strucket’s Strategic Approach To Their U.S. Launch to Reduce Landfill of Diapers:
- An Australian success story, Strucket was achieving a steady increase of sales from U.S. consumers via their website despite not having launched in the U.S. With supply chain challenges, the team required support and in 2022, FD Global undertook a comprehensive industry and market research study to develop their launch strategy.
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2020 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
Hello, my name is Trena Blair CEO, FD Global Connections, based in Sydney, Australia. Since establishing my company in 2014, I have had the privledge of supporting Australian companies to prepare for and expand successfully into the USA. As a team of one, my client base is small but the outcomes are powerful.
I have been encouraged by clients and colleagues to apply for a Stevie Award over many years (and also write a book!). I have to say, the greatest joy has been to reflect on the achievements of my clients as we have journeyed together in their quest to expand into the USA. And, I know all of my clients are cheering for my success as I finally submit my application for this Stevie Award!
Thank you for your consideration of my application.
Wishing you success, however you define it.
Trena
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 50 words used.
Please refer to the attached Supporting Document as evidence of Trena's past and current work. In addition, Trena's website showcases her Scaleup programs, Sales Activation Service and News (client case studies, webinars, blogs etc).
Thank you for your consideration of my application.
Wishing you success, however you define it.
Trena
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 200 words used.
Trena Blair is an accomplished global businesswoman, with 15+ year international executive career who effortlessly transverses corporate and entrepreneurial communities. Having grown up on dairy farm and lived and worked in Australia and the U.S., Trena’s down-to-earth manner allows people to genuinely connect with her and trust her. In 2014, Trena founded FD Global Connections to deliver unique programs for Australian organizations to access the U.S. market. With Trena’s exceptional network, she has partnered with Australian and U.S. government agencies, Small Businesses to ASX listed companies.
Trena has always advocated for women creating SheScalesGlobal, a networking group for Australian businesswomen, and the New York CIty Immersion Program, the first facilitated program for Australian business leaders into NYC.
Notably, in 2019 Trena secured the Smithsonian Museum for AGB Events’ digital exhibition Beauty Rich and Rare. It was the first Australian exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Trena partnered with Discover Financial Services to create the 2019 London FinTech event resulting in productive meetings between Discover and promising FinTechs. Trena’s collaborative nature contributes to the success she brings to her clients. Her openness, curiosity, creativity and corporate governance knowledge is the gift that keeps on giving.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 247 words used.
Trena is gifted in creating new and novel programs, identifying gaps and putting a creative lens on projects. She also has a uniquely strong and deep USA network created through genuine connections which she treats with reverence. These assets combine to give Trena a unique value proposition over competitors.
- Boosting Female Founder Initiative: Trena was appointed a mentor for the Australian government’s initiative and has since mentored eight female founders. The three-year contract in ongoing until 2023.
- AICD’s Women’s Entrepreneur Program: As a qualified Company Director and passion for supporting female founders, Trena was appointed to design, develop and facilitate a new governance program to shed light on avoiding the pitfalls and understanding fiduciary responsibilities.
- Nasdaq Entrepreneur Centre USA: Trena is one of three Australian’s appointed as mentor and which recognised Trena’s expertise in global expansion.
- GTP Fireside Chat: Openly sharing how creatives/artists can have their art displayed in high distinguished places outside of Australia such as the Smithsonian Museum.
- SomnoMed: Trena’s unique network led to strong engagement and commitment from local government and business stakeholders (including Medical Alley).
- Farmbot: Identified areas of strength and high risk, critical to understand and address prior to further investment to scale into the U.S. They have since successfully set up headquarters in the U.S.
- Strucket: Trena uncovered a unique opportunity for a licensing partner via her network. This global company can provide significant market reach, and financial support, an opportunity Strucket would never have had access to otherwise.
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