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Keeping our Regional Indigenous Sector Strong.
Invigorate, build and maintain. These are the three words driving this year’s Indigenous Business Month, which runs annually throughout October. Now in its seventh year, Indigenous Business Month is an initiative designed to celebrate the achievements of the Indigenous business sector and create an environment where Indigenous innovation can prosper.
“The Indigenous business sector is still growing and in the wake of COVID-19 we don’t want to lose the momentum, especially in those regional and remote areas,” explains Leesa.
The 2021 theme, Powering the Indigenous Economy, is focused on shining a light on the growing ranks of successful Indigenous businesses, with a specific focus on those located in regional areas of the nation.
“Therefore this year’s theme is all about encouraging local businesses to invigorate, build and maintain relationships with regional Indigenous business through investment in the sector as part of supply chains.”
Indigenous Business Month co-founder, Leesa Watego, says this year’s theme is a practical call to arms acknowledging the role local business plays in keeping the sector strong, particularly against the backdrop of a tumultuous 2021.
As government and corporate Australia move towards a target of 3% procurement from Indigenous businesses, initiatives such as Indigenous Business Month play a significant role in assisting
DID YOU KNOW
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2021 data from the University of Melbourne has revealed that Indigenous businesses’ contribution to the economy has more than doubled.
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Indigenous businesses are 100 times more likely to employ other Indigenous staff according to Supply Nation.
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According to Supply Nation, for every $1 of revenue, certified Indigenous suppliers generate $4.41 of social return.
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According to Creative Spirits, 63% of Aboriginal Australians say that inadequate training and qualifications are a barrier to gaining employment, while 47% say they don't have a good understanding of the rules of the workplace.
