Four Noongar entrepreneurs shared advice for emerging business owners at the Blak Angels Investor Network event in Boorloo (Perth) on Wednesday morning. The forum brought together Aboriginal investors, business leaders and start-ups to exchange insights and strengthen support for Indigenous enterprise.

Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar businesswoman Jasmine Kadic told the audience that clarity of purpose is central to building resilience.

"Understand why you're doing what you're doing. What that will do will ground you," she said.

Ms Kadic is the Managing Director of Benang, a contracting firm servicing the water, power, gas and mining industries. Since its establishment in 2018 the company has grown to more than 50 staff and was named Indigenous Business of the Year in Western Australia.

Ms Kadic also chairs Noongar Mia Mia, a housing provider. She said a strong sense of purpose was essential when balancing corporate growth with community responsibility.

Gordon Cole, co-founder of Cole Supplies and chair of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of preparation.

"Do all the research and reading and talk to everyone you can. Just arm yourself up with all the knowledge," he said.

Cole Supplies is a wholesaler of workwear and industrial goods, and the Chamber now represents hundreds of Indigenous businesses across Western Australia.

Mr Cole said the sector's continued expansion relied on entrepreneurs being willing to learn, ask questions and draw on the experience of others.

Gordon Cole, Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry chair and chief executive of Cole Supplies. Image: Reece Harley.

Ballardong and Whadjuk Noongar Elder Kim Collard, founder of Kulbardi and Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions, spoke about the value of acting quickly when opportunities arise.

"Don't hesitate. Try and create a business where there's very few competitors," he said.

Mr Collard has built two of the largest Indigenous-owned businesses in the country by entering markets where Aboriginal enterprises were largely absent. He was recognised as Male Elder of the Year at the 2024 National NAIDOC Awards. He also established the Bibbulmun Fund, which directs a portion of company profits to community programs.

Sharna Collard, chief executive of Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions, said passion and ethics should underpin all business decisions.

"Follow your heart, find something that you're passionate about. Act with integrity," she said.

Ms Collard co-founded Kooya in 2015 and became chief executive in 2019. The company now holds contracts with major corporations including BHP, Telstra and Chevron.

Under her leadership, five per cent of profits are allocated to the Bibbulmun Fund. She said that integrity was as important as commercial performance in building trust with clients and communities.

The Blak Angels Investor Network was established in 2023 to connect Aboriginal entrepreneurs with capital and mentorship, and to build stronger ties between Indigenous investors and start-ups. The initiative has also explored international collaboration, including with Native American investors and First Nations enterprises in North America, and has been linked to upcoming opportunities at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

In attendance today was Colleen Alstock, the newly appointed United States Consul to Western Australia, and Stephen Dawson, Western Australia's Minister for Science and Innovation. Minister Dawson told the gathering that Indigenous businesses are playing an important role in diversifying and strengthening the state's economy.

Organisers said the Network's aim is to foster a sustainable ecosystem for Indigenous-led businesses, enabling them to compete in mainstream markets while maintaining cultural values. They also highlighted the importance of building a larger pool of Indigenous investors to ensure that capital remains connected to community priorities.