Indigenous businesses from across the world will gather in Melbourne next month for a leading international forum focused on promoting Indigenous economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Kinaway Chamber of Commerce will host the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) at Hyatt Place from October 28th to 30th, which will showcase delegates from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Representatives will be arriving in Naarm (Melbourne) from around the world for the conference, delivering both an economic boost and future prospects for Victoria.
Kinaway Chamber acting chief executive, Alex Martins, said the WIBF provided an invaluable platform for leaders from business, government, academia, and industry to come together, share insights, and develop strategies that foster economic empowerment for Indigenous communities worldwide.
"We have representatives from at least 14 different countries coming so far, which is amazing," he said.
"We have two delegates coming over from WA as well as 17 businesses and people coming from New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and the rest of the country.
"Obviously, we're going to do our best to get as many as we can to make it the best WIBF they've held."
Kinaway board member Trent Brickle said the forum was a celebration of First Nations businesses.
He said the event would also put the Victoria-based chamber on the map.
"We've been spending a lot of time with the Indigenous Canadian delegations that have been coming across to Australia over the last two years," he said.
"There is a great deal of shared understanding, values, and experiences that have grown through all the networking events and relationship-building we've undertaken, especially with Canada, which has been truly excellent.
"It's also helped enhance the Kinaway profile by hosting events and organising a successful occasion, while also continuing to strengthen our reputation with the state government and being a leader in this space."
Aboriginal media and TV personality and proud Yankanjatjara and Wirangu woman, Shelley Ware, and leading consultant and Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Liz Allen, will both be the MCS of the event.
Now in its 16th year, WIBF is a leading global platform for First Nations business leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates to convene and promote Indigenous-led economic development.
Originating in New York City in 2010, the forum has travelled to multiple countries, consistently celebrating and strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic self-determination.
