Aboriginal owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their business are urged to register for the next NSW Government Aboriginal Business Roundtable in Tamworth to 'Gather and Grow'.
Taking place on Thursday 10 September 2026 on Gomeroi Country, the theme for the free event is 'Foundations of Tomorrow'.
It is the 10th NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable, and the first to be delivered as a joint event alongside 'Gather and Grow', the NSW Government's engagement series to connect First Nations businesses with Government buyers.
The event will bring together new and established Aboriginal business owners, industry leaders and government to connect, network, share knowledge and help shape the future of Aboriginal business in NSW.
Participants will hear keynote addresses from Minister for Finance, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris, and the Co-Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce Phil Usher.
A panel discussion featuring the NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff and leading executives from NSW Treasury and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will explore how the NSW Government can support Aboriginal businesses to grow.
Participants will learn how the NSW Government's Aboriginal Procurement Policy supports increased participation in government supply chains, contracts and purchasing opportunities.
The Gather and Grow component will connect regional Aboriginal businesses with government buyers and industry representatives and showcase local Aboriginal business capability.
NSW is unique in having an ongoing Closing the Gap commitment - Priority Reform 5 - specifically supporting Aboriginal economic prosperity and growing a strong Aboriginal business sector.
The Tamworth region is an exemplar of Aboriginal people, organisations and businesses working in partnership with government to Close the Gap via the Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO) and the Mara Ngali place-based partnership agreement.
The event will shine a spotlight on the strength and diversity of the Aboriginal business sector in the Tamworth region.
Supporting Aboriginal businesses has a proven multiplier effect, creating jobs and strengthening Aboriginal communities. There are more registered Aboriginal businesses in NSW than any other state or territory, with over 940 businesses, representing more than 31% of First Nations businesses nationwide (NSW Treasury report, 2025).
Participants are encouraged to attend in person but can join online via livestream.
To register please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-business-roundtable
Minister for Finance, Natural Resources, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting local businesses to succeed and grow. I look forward to meeting with Aboriginal organisations to hear more about what we can do together to create opportunities for investment and growth.
"The NSW economy is built on the hard work of business owners who provide local jobs and build stronger communities across the state. Events like "Gather and Grow" help to ensure everyone has the opportunity to do that.
"This event is a fantastic opportunity to help businesses, both new and established, come together and share their knowledge in order to benefit the NSW economy as a whole."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"Aboriginal businesses make a significant contribution to local communities, regional economies and the broader NSW economy.
"This event will celebrate the strength and innovation of the Aboriginal business sector while providing practical opportunities to learn, network and shape future government initiatives.
"I'm looking forward to joining Aboriginal business owners and entrepreneurs in Tamworth, a region with a strong and growing Aboriginal business community, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and how we can continue to support its success."
