Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses are being encouraged to register for the next NSW Government Aboriginal Business Roundtable.
Set to be held on Gomeroi Country in Tamworth next month under the theme Foundations of Tomorrow, the event first to be delivered as a joint event alongside Gather and Grow — the NSW Government's engagement series to connect First Nations businesses with Government buyers.
The event will bring together new and established Indigenous business owners, industry leaders and government to connect, network, share knowledge and help shape the future of Aboriginal business in NSW.
Participants will hear keynote addresses from Minister for Finance, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, and NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce Co-Chair, Phil Usher.
"We are in a privileged position to be able to represent the voices of Aboriginal businesses in a way that can shape meaningful change," Mr Usher said of the NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce earlier this year.
"Over the next five years we expect that half of the Aboriginal businesses within the state will be regionally based. This will lead to more jobs for Aboriginal people and a great opportunity for self-determination on our terms."
The event will include a panel discussion featuring the NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff and leading executives from NSW Treasury and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, who will explore how the NSW Government can support Aboriginal businesses to grow.
Participants will also learn how the NSW Government's Aboriginal Procurement Policy supports increased participation in government supply chains, contracts and purchasing opportunities.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said the event will celebrate the strength and innovation of the Aboriginal business sector while providing practical opportunities to learn, network and shape future government initiatives.
"Aboriginal businesses make a significant contribution to local communities, regional economies and the broader NSW economy," Mr Harris said.
"I'm looking forward to joining Aboriginal business owners and entrepreneurs in Tamworth, a region with a strong and growing Aboriginal business community, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and how we can continue to support its success."
The Gather and Grow component of the event will connect regional Aboriginal businesses with government buyers and industry representatives and showcase local Aboriginal business capability.
Minister for Finance, Natural Resources, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, said the state government is committed to supporting local businesses to succeed and grow.
"The NSW economy is built on the hard work of business owners who provide local jobs and build stronger communities across the state," Ms Houssos said.
"Events like 'Gather and Grow' help to ensure everyone has the opportunity to do that.
"This event is a fantastic opportunity to help businesses, both new and established, come together and share their knowledge in order to benefit the NSW economy as a whole."
The NSW Government said the event will shine a spotlight on the strength and diversity of the Aboriginal business sector in the Tamworth region.
Participants are encouraged to attend in person but can also join online via a livestream.
Registrations for the event can be made online.
