Every October, we come together to celebrate the strength, creativity and leadership within our communities through Indigenous Business Month.
It is a time to recognise the entrepreneurs and changemakers who are not only building successful businesses but are strengthening the fabric of our nation through connection, shared knowledge and cultural pride.
This year marks the eleventh Indigenous Business Month, and it has been an honour to see how far we have come. What began as a platform to showcase Indigenous enterprise has grown into a movement that celebrates resilience, collaboration and community. The 2025 theme, Strength Through Collaboration, reminds us that our greatest achievements happen when we work together.
As one of the judges for this year's awards alongside Rory Chapman, I had the privilege of reading through an extraordinary number of nominations filled with passion, creativity and commitment to community. Every single story spoke of determination and purpose, and choosing the winners was incredibly difficult because every nominee represented strength and impact in their own unique way.
The awards breakfast at Bangarra Dance Theatre in Sydney captured that same spirit. From the moment you walked in, you could feel the energy of pride and possibility. Every detail of the event was supported by Indigenous businesses, from the florals and catering to the trophies on the tables. It was a living example of what collaboration looks like in practice.
Each of this year's award recipients represents a different kind of excellence, and together they tell a powerful story of what Indigenous business looks like in 2025.
Brett Leavy and his work with Virtual Songlines Digital Twin were recognised with the Indigenous Digital Inventiveness Award. His vision is transforming the way culture and technology connect. By embedding stories, language and Country into interactive digital experiences, Brett is preserving knowledge and giving communities new ways to share their stories.
"There is nothing better than empowering our First Nations communities with digital enablement," Leavy said.
The Indigenous Ingenuity Award went to Tyson Carmody from Kings Narrative. Tyson and his team are creating safe spaces for Aboriginal men to lead, heal and grow. Guided by Arrernte cultural values, programs like Barber Blak Kings and Angkentye Cultural Camps focus on rebuilding strength through connection and purpose. His leadership shows the power of culture in shaping programs that truly work for community.
"This recognition helps us show what it looks like when Aboriginal people are leading the work in Aboriginal communities," Carmody said.
From Waiben in the Torres Strait, the Regional Indigenous Business Award was presented to Kantesha Ward, founder of Lola Digital. Her business blends creativity with cultural integrity and delivers digital and design services while creating opportunities for other First Nations creatives across Zenadth Kes. She is proof that regional and remote businesses can thrive locally and engage globally while giving back to community.
"We are privileged to live, work and grow Lola Digital on Waiben. Our success is not possible without our community, our team and our clients. So where we can, we give back and support others to build a stronger Indigenous business economy in Zenadth Kes," Ward said.
Nathan Lovett and Aus Native Foods / Naway Yila Buradja received the I2I Award. Meaning 'Today Brings Tomorrow' in Dhurga, Naway Yila Buradja connects Aboriginal growers with Australia's hospitality industry. The work goes beyond food. It is about creating opportunity, building sustainability and mentoring others to grow. Lovett is helping communities across Western New South Wales thrive through native produce and business development.
"An award like this is recognition of what we can achieve when we are all working together for the benefit of our communities," Lovett said.
What I love most about Indigenous Business Month is that it is not about competition. It is about connection. Every nomination and every conversation reminds me how powerful collaboration is. When one business succeeds, many more are lifted with it.
IBM Co-founders Dr Michelle Evans, Leesa Watego and Mayrah Sonter have created something that goes beyond awards. It is a legacy of leadership, learning and love for community.
"These businesses don't just excel individually. They strengthen communities by working together," Watego said.
Sonter added: "Their achievements light the path for the next generation."
Looking around the room at Bangarra, I felt deep pride in our people and in the incredible work being done across the country. Indigenous Business Month is a celebration of who we are and what we can achieve when we share our knowledge, support each other and lead with culture.
This October, let us keep connecting, collaborating and celebrating. When Indigenous businesses succeed, our communities thrive and all of Australia grows stronger together.
