Expo to shine light on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and operated businesses will take centre stage in October, with Wollongong set to host two special events aimed at broadening networks for the Illawarra’s Indigenous business community.

After a hugely successful inaugural event in 2023, the second Illawarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Expo will see a host of new stallholders put their services on display at Wollongong Town Hall.

A joint initiative of Wollongong City Council and Illawarra Indigenous Business Network (IIBN), last year’s event saw 30 local businesses from a wide array of industries - including design, photography, education, construction, maintenance, policy, research and arts - showcased to more than 300 attendees in the first event of its kind in Wollongong.

This year’s expo on 17 October includes an increased number of stallholders and will follow a professional networking event at Inside Industry, Coniston on the evening of 16 October, providing further opportunities for Indigenous businesses to connect.

Part of Indigenous Business Month, IIBN’s Tina McGhie said last year’s event in partnership with Council was a great way for the organisation to recommence activities after initially facing challenges on its establishment in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

“The event not only brought Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses together, creating networking and collaboration opportunities, the Expo also promoted to government, corporate and non-government organisations where they can purchase goods and services from Indigenous businesses in the Illawarra and surrounds,” Ms McGhie said.

“Events like this are particularly important in showcasing and educating the wider community that these businesses not only demonstrate self-determination, but highlight our growing influence and critical role in the Australian economy.

“These businesses are not only significant economic contributors, generating substantial revenue and employment, but they also play a vital role in supporting Indigenous communities through promoting self-determination, preserving cultural knowledge, and fostering intergenerational wealth.”

The success of the Expo has seen the addition of an Illawarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Procurement Networking Event to this year’s calendar with the assistance of event partner BlueScope, featuring a Q&A with panellists from various industries, with audience members also able to seek advice from those on stage.

“Another outcome for the event is BlueScope is hosting a networking event the evening before for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to attend and connect with business, government, and non-government organisations,” Ms McGhie, who will host the Q&A, said.

“There will be a panel discussion, with panel members coming from Aboriginal business, corporate, government and community. The aim of the evening is for attendees to meet local networks, hear how the Aboriginal Procurement Policy can support business and the opportunity to ask questions for business growth and support.”

Registrations for the networking event are essential, with both free events open to corporates, government and non-government organisations looking to find out more about procuring from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

These events can also provide valuable insights for organisations with a Reconciliation Action Plan looking to partner with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses providing a range of services and expertise.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said Council is keen to build on the huge success of the maiden events last year.

“The first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Expo was very well-attended and we are anticipating even more support for this year’s event,” Cr Bradbery said.

“It is great to see the number of stallholders has increased and if you’re interested in broadening your professional network and learning more about procurement from Indigenous-owned and operated businesses, we encourage you to come along to both the networking event and the Expo.

“If you are an organisation, like Council, that is firmly committed to a Reconciliation Action Plan as a top priority, both events are a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with Indigenous businesses and learn how partner with the many great organisations we have in our community.”

The general public is also invited to attend the Expo that will feature multiple Aboriginal arts and crafts stalls.

Wollongong City Council has partnered with the Illawarra Indigenous Business Network and Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the event as part of Indigenous Business Month, with additional support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and event partner BlueScope.

Further information regarding both events is available via Council’s website: wollongong.nsw.gov.au/business-expo

• Illawarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Procurement Networking Event: Wednesday 16 October 6-8pm. Bookings essential.
• Illawarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Expo: Thursday 17 October, Wollongong Town Hall 11am-1pm