Supporting Aboriginal business is one of the most practical ways to promote economic empowerment and self-determination for First Nations communities. By choosing to purchase goods and services from Indigenous-owned enterprises, individuals and organisations can directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of Indigenous entrepreneurship. In simple terms, supporting Aboriginal business means intentionally seeking out and engaging with companies that are owned, led, or controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, helping them thrive in competitive markets.
Indigenous entrepreneurship plays a vital role in closing economic gaps and fostering community development. Beyond financial benefits, it strengthens cultural resilience, creates employment opportunities, and showcases the diverse talents and skills of First Nations people across sectors from arts and hospitality to technology and professional services. Supporting these businesses is a meaningful way to champion innovation while respecting the autonomy of Indigenous communities.
For those looking to make a tangible impact, it doesn’t have to be complicated. From everyday purchases to engaging Indigenous suppliers in corporate projects, small, deliberate choices can collectively drive large-scale change. By prioritising Indigenous entrepreneurship in your spending, you help build stronger communities, foster equitable economic growth, and contribute to a more inclusive Australian economy.
Practical Ways to Support Aboriginal Business and Indigenous Entrepreneurship
| Action | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Buy from Indigenous-owned enterprises | Intentionally purchase goods and services from certified Aboriginal businesses | Provides direct financial support and strengthens community self-determination |
| Engage Indigenous suppliers in projects | Invite Aboriginal businesses to quote or participate in corporate contracts | Encourages economic inclusion and access to larger markets |
| Attend Indigenous events and markets | Support local First Nations markets, exhibitions, and trade shows | Increases visibility for Indigenous entrepreneurship and promotes cultural awareness |
| Promote Indigenous businesses | Share, review, or recommend Indigenous companies to peers or online communities | Amplifies reach and drives further customer engagement |
| Learn about Indigenous business certification | Use directories like Supply Nation to verify Indigenous ownership | Ensures support goes to genuine Indigenous enterprises |
| Invest in Indigenous initiatives | Contribute to programs or funds that support First Nations business growth | Helps scale enterprises and fosters long-term economic empowerment |
Why support businesses? Why not just donate?
In a word? Self-determination.
Supporting Indigenous enterprises isn’t just about remunerating Indigenous people, but allowing for control and decision-making to remain with the communities where they belong.
This is not to say that any business that employs Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people – but is not Indigenous-owned – doesn’t deserve support. It’s more about having a simple way of deciding where to focus your attention.
The problem of First Nations disadvantage is very complex – too much so to unpack here. But it can be helpful to remember that money is useful, but without the control to go with it, the implications can be problematic.
How are we currently supporting Indigenous businesses?
It’s always good to see positive change being role-modelled by policy, especially during times like these.
The federal government’s recent budget announcement saw $46.5m allocated over four years towards Closing the Gap, with a focus on helping “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations build their capacity and business models”.
As part of the announcement came this revelation: four new Indigenous River Ranger groups will be funded as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Package. Considering the fact that the Basin encompasses 40 different Aboriginal nations, this should be a given – but it’s a good step nonetheless.
But could the government be doing more? And how?
The IPP – First Nations businesses fulfilling government tenders
The Indigenous Procurement Policy is a set of guidelines using quotas to encourage government departments to look to Indigenous businesses for their tenders. Since its inception in 2015, over $3.14 billion worth of contracts have been won by First Nations organisations – again, an encouraging start.
But when we look further, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go – and the target hidden in the original policy announcement is proof.
“…the Commonwealth Government has committed to a procurement target for goods and services from Indigenous businesses. The target – three per cent of Commonwealth contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses by 2020 – is ambitious and will be achieved.”
– Hon Nigel Scullion, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, and Hon Mathias Cormann, Minister for Finance (2015)
In all of its glory, that $3+ billion sum actually sits closer to 1% than 3% of total contracts since the policy was introduced (source: AusTender). A closer look by the Australian National Audit Office has revealed a lack of support around compliance, proving that policy (and even good intentions) can only get us so far.
I’m not in government – what can I do to help?
“If you’re buying anything, anything at all –” says Evolve co-Director Carla Rogers, “check to see if an Indigenous business is supplying that first.”
“It can come as a surprise, but for most products and services, there will be an Indigenous business somewhere supplying them. These businesses aren’t just limited to Aboriginal culture like ours – think IT solutions, lawyers, office supplies … even kombucha!”
Carla cites reusable face masks – mandatory during COVID-19 lockdown – as a recent example.
And if your organisation is looking to bring a contractor on board, “why not invite an Indigenous Business to provide a quote?”
But how do you know if a business is Indigenous-owned?
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: “You can check Supply Nation,” explains Carla.
Australia’s biggest database of certified Indigenous businesses, Supply Nation is also the host of its annual Connect trade show. It’s a calendar highlight for both Carla and co-Director Aunty Munya Andrews, thanks to its sheer diversity of exhibitors and incredible, buzzing atmosphere.
Support is key
If there’s one conclusion to draw from this, it’s that support is crucial.
This means supporting First Nations suppliers where possible. Supporting contractors by inviting them in to your RFQ process. And for our government, supporting its own departments with the information they need to be compliant with their IPP regulations. It all counts, and it will all help.
After all, to quote Mother Teresa, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.”
“But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
For more information about Indigenous Businesses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Supply Nation Connect 2021 will take place from 25-26th May. Tickets are available on the event website.
