About Indigenous Business Month
Indigenous Business Month is an initiative driven by three First Nation’s female alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class Program, who see 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. Since its establishment in 2015, Indigenous Business Month has become an annual celebration of Indigenous-led leadership and ingenuity, set to inspire the next generation of First Nations businesses.
Each year a theme is determined to unite and promote the Indigenous Business Sector.
Getting to know Indigenous Business Month
What is Indigenous Business Month?
Indigenous Business Month is an annual celebration held 1-31 October that recognises and promotes the strength, innovation, and impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Australia. The month highlights the contributions of Indigenous entrepreneurs and business leaders to Australia’s economy and cultural landscape.
Founded by Indigenous businesswomen and alumni of the Melbourne Business School, IBM showcases the power of Indigenous-led enterprise and encourages conversations about economic self-determination and Indigenous business leadership.
What is the latest Indigenous Business Month theme?
Each year a theme is selected to represent the context of Indigenous Business operates in and the focus moving forward as we showcase the crucial contributions made to communities across the country.
Visit the Resources page to learn about the annual theme, and to see the resources available for sharing.
Why is Indigenous Business Month important?
Indigenous Business Month is important because it:
- Sparks collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and organisations
- Raises the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
- Encourages procurement from Indigenous suppliers
- Inspires the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Builds awareness of the role Indigenous business plays in creating jobs, preserving culture and driving economic development
How can I get involved in Indigenous Business Month?
There are many ways to get involved:
Attend or Host an Event
Join community-led events, networking sessions, panel discussions or workshops throughout October – or host your own.
Apply or Nominate for an Award
Nominations for the Indigenous Business Month Awards open in annually in August. Visit the Awards page for award categories and entry details.
Partner or Sponsor
Support Indigenous Business Month through sponsorship and demonstrate your commitment to Indigenous economic empowerment. Opportunities include exclusive category sponsorship and branded recognition.
Follow and Share
Engage with IBM content on social media. Follow the conversation using #IndigenousBusinessMonth #IndigBizMonth and this year’s theme #StrengthThroughCollaboration.
Procure Indigenous
Use the month to review your procurement and consider engaging Indigenous suppliers through platforms like Supply Nation, Indigenous Chambers of Commerce and the Indigenous Business Direct but also through better connections with local Indigenous Business Owners within your business community.
Sparks collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and organisations
- Raises the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
- Encourages procurement from Indigenous suppliers
- Inspires the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Builds awareness of the role Indigenous business plays in creating jobs, preserving culture and driving economic development