Support our Indigenous businesses
Kate Carnell
Company Director - Chair Mable, Chair Racing and Sport Technology, Deputy Chair BeyondBlue, Chair Violet , Director Australian Made, National Co -Convenor of Liberals for Yes
As Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week 2020, we are reminded to support indigenous businesses.
The indigenous business sector is one of the fastest growing in Australia.
Supply Nation data shows the number of indigenous businesses is growing by 12.5% each year.
There are currently as many as 16,000 indigenous-owned businesses in Australia and that is expected to grow to more than 18,000 in the next five years.
We know every dollar spent with an indigenous business goes a long way. According to Supply Nation, for every $1 of revenue, certified indigenous suppliers generate $4.41 of social return.
Some great examples of this can be seen in ASBFEO’s Indigenous Success Stories series, profiling a number of inspiring indigenous businesses that have embraced reciprocity as a reflection of culture in the way they do business.
Kakadu Tinytots for instance, plants eco gardens in remote communities so children can have access to fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Others are investing in the next generation of indigenous professionals such as Willyama Services, an IT business which offers vocational training to indigenous high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in technical support.
In fact, indigenous businesses are 100 times more likely to employ other indigenous staff according to Supply Nation, which is why procuring from indigenous businesses is an investment in both indigenous employment and economic development more broadly.
While indigenous businesses provide services across a range of industries, there are a number that have been hit hard by the COVID crisis, such as those businesses relying on the tourist trade.
It’s especially important that we support these businesses as much as possible as they work to recover from this difficult period
Tele-Fundraiser
4yYes I am astounded to see how many indigenous small businesses are operating, a real boom. Seeking greater understanding of Indigenous culture and heritage can only help that with both economic and cultural benefits for all. Let's get more celebrations going in the workplaces everywhere and grow this event, don't wait for politicians to drive chang, as always they can catch up later. It's the people who can make something truly nationally inspiring out of this event. When we do it will have flow on effects not for a week but all year every year.