October is celebrated as Indigenous Business month.
Indigenous Business Month was established back in 2015 as a way of promoting First Nations’ business as a vehicle towards self-determination, a way of providing positive role models for Indigenous Australians, and improving quality of life in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous individuals, businesses and organisations make significant contributions to the Australian economy every day. The trading of Indigenous-led services and goods is happening across urban, regional, and remote Australia.
Trading culture and entrepreneurial spirit have always been central to our communities and culture.
At GABC, we believe that the power of the Indigenous economy is something to be recognised and tapped into.
We know that Indigenous businesses create Indigenous jobs.
Indigenous businesses employ more Indigenous people at a rate of 60 per cent higher than other businesses, further emphasising the importance of supporting an Indigenous business sector.
As an Aboriginal Chamber, we proudly support the aims of Indigenous Business Month in;
- recognising the surge in opportunity and wellbeing that comes from participating in the Indigenous economy; and
- showcasing the power of Indigenous business sector’s commitment to an inclusive and sustainable future.
At GABC, we’ve committed to strengthening Aboriginal business growth and economic participation. We’ve also committed to;
- Driving Change Through Awareness
- Supporting other First Nations Businesses
- Creating opportunities for our members
- Influencing a Nation; and
- Supporting Aboriginal Excellence.
Engaging and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, businesses and communities is core to our work.
This Indigenous Business month, we encourage all businesses to identify and pursue opportunities for new working relationships with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
We urge all businesses to also continue supporting Indigenous Business networking events and opportunities, and establishing internal protocols and processes to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, suppliers and sub-contractors.