Queensland's 2022 Indigenous Business Month has been hailed a success, with greater recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses and more than 60 events held across the state throughout October.
Small Business Minister Di Farmer said the eighth annual Indigenous Business Month focused on partnerships and growth through its theme 'Actions Today. Impact Tomorrow'.
"Indigenous Business Month involved exciting celebrations and valuable networking events from Thursday Island to Mount Isa and from Cairns to Coolangatta," Ms Farmer said.
"There were 'meet the buyer and seller' networking events, mentoring and capability building sessions, and Indigenous Business Connect networking events that focused on procurement and supply chain opportunities.
"The Government was also pleased to announce Deadly Business 2032 during Indigenous Business Month.
"Deadly Business 2032 is a key project for the Far North region that will facilitate new partnerships, prepare businesses and generate business growth in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Minister Farmer said.
"First Nations businesses employ more First Nations workers than any other businesses, so it's important to continue to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses to grow."
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government is continuing to create good First Nations jobs, open up new First Nations business opportunities, and grow the economy.
"We know there are many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses that have the capacity to successfully supply the quality goods and services our state needs," Mr Crawford said.
"The Queensland Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Procurement Policy (QIPP) helps stimulate entrepreneurship and business ownership through more opportunities for First Nations owned businesses to supply to government – and we are seeing results.
"In the 2021- 2022, 535 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses supplied $440 million in goods and services to the Queensland Government, up from $322 million for the 2020- 2021 financial year."
Minister Crawford said the excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses was on show at the annual Buy Queensland awards this month.
"The Buy Queensland awards recognise outstanding businesses who are supplying to the Queensland Government," Mr Crawford said.
"Of the four awards available, three were won by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses, and a further three First Nations-owned businesses were highly commended.
"I especially want to highlight the achievements of the 100 per cent Indigenous owned, and women-led Iscariot Media who won the Diversity through Supply Chains Award."
"Iscariot Media is a great example of a business, who through their supply chains and other sourcing activities, support social outcomes with staff in Cairns, Moreton, Logan and Brisbane.''
Minister Farmer said in Far North Queensland, First Nations company, Jumbun Limited, was recognised at the 19th annual Cassowary Awards for helping to protect the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
"Jumbun won the People Country Culture award for Gumbadda in our Mala, meaning Cyclone in our Hands, a transformative program co-funded by the Palaszczuk Government," Minister Grace said.
"We are excited for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses to enjoy the success of businesses like Iscariot Media and Jumbun Limited.
"Other highlights of Indigenous Business Month included events such as Black Coffee, Business Ready, Growing Indigenous Business and Yarning2032 on the Darling Downs, which provided opportunities for conversations and partnerships.
"On the Sunshine Coast, Blak Markets showcased more than 20 different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses selling their products.
"In Townsville there was a range of events including an Indigenous Women in Business celebration and tender and grant writing workshops.
"The Queensland Indigenous Business Expo and Forum hosted by the South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce was attended by 280 participants," Minister Farmer said.
"Following the success of Indigenous Business Month, we look forward to hearing more about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses are achieving in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032."
