The Times Australia
Business and Money
The Times Real Estate

.

Indigenous businesses are thriving across a wide range of industries – here’s how to make sure that continues

  • Written by Michelle Evans, Associate Professor, specialising in Indigenous leadership, The University of Melbourne

When discussing the creativity and ingenuity of Indigenous people, we often talk about our deadly artists, sportspeople and Elders.

But more and more, Indigenous business leaders are finding themselves in the spotlight.

This year’s NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year[1] is Uncle Kim Collard, a Balladong/Wadjuk Elder of the Noongar Nation.

Collard established two of Australia’s largest Indigenous-owned businesses – workplace supplier Kulbardi and fleet management and salary packaging firm Kooya.

But he and his family have also made outstanding philanthropic contributions to Aboriginal communities, raising almost A$1.5 million through the Bibbulmun Fund[2].

Kim Collard
Kim Collard, a Balladong/Wadjuk Elder of the Noongar Nation, is the 2024 NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year. Supplied/Brendan Blacklock/NAIDOC

Collard is just one example of many outstanding leaders across the thriving Indigenous business sector.

This cohort drive more than just dollars and cents in the economy – they serve as role models and employers, sponsors and philanthropists, and suppliers to major corporations. They also bring important cultural knowledge and cultural guidance to bear.

Yet many Australians still don’t grasp the sheer size and diversity of Indigenous-owned and led businesses.

Greater visibility of these businesses – both in government statistics and Indigenous business directories – would do more than just showcase their diversity and excellence. It would also help them succeed further.

A thriving sector

Indigenous businesses operate at every scale in Australia, from small sole traders through to large corporate enterprises.

As previously reported in The Conversation[3], our research[4] revealed that in 2022, the Indigenous business sector generated more than A$16 billion in revenue. We found that 13,693 unique businesses employed more than 100,000 people, paying annual wages of $4.2 billion.

Read more: Indigenous businesses are worth billions but we don't know enough about them[5]

This job creation is really important. One of the sector’s biggest benefits is that it supports such a wide range of families and households across Australia.

Previous research[6] has found that Indigenous businesses employ Indigenous Australians at a greater rate than non-Indigenous businesses.

Operating across diverse industries

Indigenous-owned businesses are often associated with important cultural services and cultural tourism. But their influence extends far beyond these areas into industries such as technology, architecture and construction, manufacturing, property, financial services, education and legal services.

There are some great examples of firms integrating cultural knowledge at the cutting edge of their fields.

The Queensland-based agriculture technology company RainStick[7] uses electricity to mimic the natural effects of lightning to grow bigger crops faster.

Lightning above a wheat field
Indigenous businesses are represented in many cutting edge fields, such as agriculture technology. djgis/Shutterstock[8]

And design firm Nguluway DesignInc[9] is currently overseeing the design and development of the new University of Technology Sydney Indigenous Residential College.

But registration really helps

To help people and organisations engage with Indigenous businesses, whether as customers or large-scale suppliers, it’s important they are able to find them.

It’s not currently possible to declare a business as Indigenous when filing for an Australian business number (ABN).

However, it is possible to become registered in other directories. These include a range of state and territory chambers of commerce and other non-profit organisations.

The NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) was the first of its kind when it was established in 2006. It has now grown to represent more than 500 businesses in 70 different spend categories.

Victoria’s Kinaway Chamber of Commerce was established in 2010 and now has close to 300 businesses on its registry.

Aboriginal businesswoman talking in a meeting
Registration means people who want to work with Indigenous businesses as customers or suppliers are better able to find them. xavierarnau/GettyImages[10]

At a national level, Supply Nation operates a large non-profit directory called Indigenous Business Direct. This aims to connect the procurement teams of large organisations with verified Indigenous businesses.

To register with Supply Nation, businesses need to demonstrate Indigenous ownership of at least 50% to be a “registered” business, or 51% or greater ownership to become “certified”.

Relevant documents are verified with bodies including ASIC. And regular audits and spot checks are conducted to ensure these companies continue to be Indigenous-owned and led.

Supply Nation has just passed the significant milestone[11] of registering its 5,000th Indigenous business, up from just 13 in 2009.

Registration takes effort on the part of a business, but it’s really important. Our Snapshot study[12] found that formally registered businesses were responsible for around 70% of all the revenue and jobs generated across the Indigenous business ecosystem.

All of these organisations provide business mentoring, guidance on procurement and a clearing house for opportunities.

But more importantly, registering a business as Indigenous on any of these directories allows corporations, non-profits and governments to find and connect with it, opening the door to all kinds of opportunities.

Read more: Indigenous businesses are worth billions but we don't know enough about them[13]

References

  1. ^ Male Elder of the Year (www.naidoc.org.au)
  2. ^ Bibbulmun Fund (www.bibbulmunfund.net)
  3. ^ The Conversation (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ research (dilinduwa.com.au)
  5. ^ Indigenous businesses are worth billions but we don't know enough about them (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ research (journals.sagepub.com)
  7. ^ RainStick (www.rainstick.com.au)
  8. ^ djgis/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  9. ^ Nguluway DesignInc (nguluway.designinc.com.au)
  10. ^ xavierarnau/GettyImages (www.gettyimages.com.au)
  11. ^ milestone (supplynation.org.au)
  12. ^ Snapshot study (dilinduwa.com.au)
  13. ^ Indigenous businesses are worth billions but we don't know enough about them (theconversation.com)

Authors: Michelle Evans, Associate Professor, specialising in Indigenous leadership, The University of Melbourne

Read more https://theconversation.com/indigenous-businesses-are-thriving-across-a-wide-range-of-industries-heres-how-to-make-sure-that-continues-234170

SME Business News

Future-Proofing Your Business with Strategic Defence Insight

In an era marked by rapid technological change, global uncertainty, and evolving security risks, the need for long-term resilience in business has never been greater. Organisations across indu...

Maximise Your Amazon Profits with These 5 Simple Seller Strategies

Selling on Amazon offers countless opportunities for individuals and businesses to grow their income. But with so many sellers joining the platform every day, it’s not enough to just list your ...

Why Professional Mining Electricians Are Critical for Mine Safety and Operations

The mining industry, with its complex and hazardous environments, demands high standards of safety and efficiency. One pivotal role in ensuring these standards is that of professional mining el...

Why is a Commercial Vacuum Cleaner Better?

Maintaining a pristine work area isn't just about aesthetics—it's about fostering an atmosphere of contentment, wellness, and awe-inspiring wholesomeness. Be it an office, a retail outlet, or a...

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Business Times

Future-Proofing Your Business with Strategic Defence Insight

In an era marked by rapid technological change, global uncertainty, and evolving security risks, the need for long-term res...

Maximise Your Amazon Profits with These 5 Simple Seller Strategie…

Selling on Amazon offers countless opportunities for individuals and businesses to grow their income. But with so many sell...

Why Professional Mining Electricians Are Critical for Mine Safety…

The mining industry, with its complex and hazardous environments, demands high standards of safety and efficiency. One pivo...

LayBy Shopping