2024-07-12 04:43:14
When discussing Aboriginal creativity and ingenuity, we often talk regarding our famous artists, athletes and Elders.
Yet local business leaders are increasingly finding themselves in the spotlight.
This year’s NAIDOC Male Senior of the Year He is Uncle Kim Collard, a Balladong/Wadjuk elder of the Noongar nation.
Collard founded two of Australia’s largest Indigenous businesses – workplace provider Kulbardi and fleet management and payroll packaging company Kooya.
But he and his family also made outstanding philanthropic contributions to the Aboriginal community, through Bibman Fund.
Photo courtesy of Brendan Blacklock/NAIDOC
Collard is just one of many prominent leaders in the thriving Indigenous business sector.
This group of people not only drives economic prosperity, they are role models and employers, sponsors and philanthropists, and suppliers to major companies. They also bring important cultural knowledge and cultural guidance.
Yet many Australians remain unaware of the scale and diversity of Indigenous owned and led businesses.
Improving the visibility of these businesses, whether in government statistics or directories of Aboriginal businesses, would not only showcase their diversity and excellence, but also help them become more successful.
A booming industry
Australian businesses vary in size, from small sole proprietors to large corporations.
As previously reported in The Conversation, our Research Data shows that the Aboriginal business sector generated more than $16 billion in revenue in 2022. We found that 13,693 independent businesses employed more than 100,000 people and paid wages of up to $4.2 billion per year.
Job creation is really important. One of the greatest benefits of this industry is that it supports so many families and households across Australia.
Earlier Research Indigenous businesses were found to employ a higher proportion of Indigenous Australians than non-Indigenous businesses.
Cross-industry operations
Aboriginal businesses are often associated with important cultural services and cultural tourism. But their influence extends far beyond these sectors to include technology, construction, manufacturing, real estate, financial services, education and legal services.
There are some excellent examples of companies incorporating cultural knowledge at the forefront of their fields.
Queensland-based agricultural technology company Rain Stick Using electricity to mimic the natural effects of lightning to make crops grow faster.
djgis/Shutterstock
and design company Nguruwe Design Currently overseeing the design and development of a new Aboriginal residential college at the University of Technology Sydney.
But registering does help
To help people and organisations engage with Indigenous businesses, it’s important to find them, whether as customers or large suppliers.
Currently, it is not possible to declare a business as an Indigenous business when applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
However, there are other directories you can register with, including a range of state and territory chambers of commerce and other not-for-profit organisations.
The NSW Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) was established in 2006 as the first chamber of its kind. It has now grown to represent over 500 businesses across 70 different spend categories.
The Kinaway Chamber of Commerce of Victoria was established in 2010 and currently has nearly 300 registered businesses.
xavierarnau/GettyImages
At the national level, Supply Nation operates a large non-profit directory called the Aboriginal Business Direct. The directory is designed to connect procurement teams at large organizations with verified Aboriginal businesses.
To register with Supply Nation, businesses need to prove at least 50% Aboriginal ownership to become a “registered” business, or 51% or more Aboriginal ownership to become a “certified” business.
The relevant documents are verified by agencies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Regular audits and spot checks are carried out to ensure that these companies continue to be owned and led by Aboriginal people.
Supply Nation just had an important milestone Registered Aboriginal businesses have increased from 13 in 2009 to 5,000.
Registration takes work from your business, but it is important. Snapshot Research It was found that formally registered businesses account for regarding 70% of total revenue and employment opportunities in the entire Bumiputera business ecosystem.
All of these organizations provide business coaching, procurement guidance, and a clearinghouse for opportunities.
But more importantly, registering a business as an Indigenous business in any of these directories allows it to be found and connected to by businesses, non-profits and governments, opening the door to all sorts of opportunities.
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