With consumers increasingly valuing the social impact of the companies with which they engage, new data shows the Indigenous business sector leading the way in Western Australia.
Peak body WA Social Enterprise Council, which represents more than 300 businesses focused on social impact across the state, said Indigenous-led social enterprise entities were sector leaders.
Its recent survey showed 85 per cent of people in WA agreed businesses should deliver social good, as well as profit. WASEC believes this strong sentiment among consumers should direct government funding and policy, urging the establishment of a social enterprise procurement policy framework.
The organisation said many Indigenous businesses have operated like social enterprises for years, with cultural preservation and economic outcomes valued equally.
The initiatives of Indigenous social businesses were in the spotlight for Social Enterprise Day late last month, with many recognised for the key roles they had played strengthening connections to culture and economic outcomes across the state.
Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd has delivered community-owned and culturally-grounded solutions to food insecurity in the West Pilbara.
At the heart of its partnership is the Ieramugadu Store Maya, a Traditional Owner-led business it operates that supports local employment and economic self determination, and which recently won WASEC's 2025b Indigenous Social Enterprise of the Year.
The community-owned store has since 2021 made groceries, fuel, and essential services more affordable for local communities, while providing opportunities for jobs and financial benefits.
NYFL chief executive Sean-Paul Stephens agreed government reform could address structural issues driving food insecurity in regional and remote WA communities.
"The West Pilbara is one of the most economically productive regions in Australia, yet many of the most vulnerable people here are going hungry or forced to sacrifice on other basics just to access food," he said.
While such examples shift perceptions among staff and peers, WA's Indigenous social leaders still faced ongoing barriers, such as short-term funding and being ignored by bigger partners.
WASEC said greater recognition and government support would help such organisations scale up, employ more Indigenous staff and deepen cultural and social impact.
Social Enterprise Day 2025 was an opportune time to highlight some other Indigenous-led businesses that are social impact leaders across WA:
Kardan Construction: An Indigenous-owned company that delivers high-quality construction and maintenance services, while creating sustainable employment and training pathways for Aboriginal people and other disadvantaged groups.
Mumma Jo's Grocers in Boulder, owned and operated by Yamatji woman Joanne Palmer, this affordable, community-focused grocery store makes good food accessible for local families, while training and employing Indigenous staff.
Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation (Roebourne): Promotes Yindjibarndi culture through media, arts, language and community development programs.
AACHWA (Aboriginal Art Centre Hub WA): Provides advocacy, professional development and strategic support to sustain Aboriginal art centres and the wellbeing of artists.
Maganda Makers (Kimberley Jiygas): Empowers Indigenous women artists through mentoring, enterprise development and market access.
FISH (Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health): Breaks cycles of intergenerational disadvantage by promoting health, housing, employment, and cultural connection.
Enterprise Partnerships WA: Supports First Nations women's leadership and community-led enterprises that build local economies and foster wellbeing.
Self-Made Indigenous Corporation: Founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Aaron and Quin Sutton, SMIC supports more than 1,000 at-risk Indigenous youths through its programs, many participants labelled "violent offenders" now thriving, after 80 days of positive support there.
