Supply Nation has announced Elephant in the Room Consulting, LassWho and Munda Wines as finalists for this year's Indigenous Exporter of the Year award ahead of the Supplier Diversity Awards.
The annual awards honour and recognise businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and individuals making a significant contribution to supplier diversity, and excellence in driving a prosperous and vibrant Indigenous business sector.
Elephant in the Room Consulting
A wholly owned Indigenous business providing management consulting, mentoring and coaching services, Elephant in the Room Consulting has clients across the globe in Australia, Europe, Southeast Asia, Canada, and the United States.
Founded by proud Bundjalung woman Jenni Walke, the Brisbane-based firm specialises in realigning organisational culture and process, teamwork, and leadership development.
LassWho
Developed by founder and CEO, Dean Morrison during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2021, LassWho is a global platform which connects people and organisations with inspirational leaders for live virtual events.
Having grown into the first global speaker marketplace that allows customers and clients to instantly find, compare and book speakers with complete price visibility, the platform features more than 1,000 speakers from across the world, including many First Nations Australians.
Through the website and app, LassWho has helped corporates, businesses and government bodies across the world find virtual speakers for a variety of events, including for internal and client-facing requirements, including team-building initiatives and corporate events.
Munda Wines
South Australia's Munda Wines is a majority Indigenous-owned label which exports premium wines to markets including the United States, Canada and Malaysia.
Led by Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh alongside Damien Smith, Munda, the Wirangu and Kokatha word for land, aims to express the munda of select Aboriginal countries.
The pair produce deliberate and considered wines with munda always at the forefront.
The award winner will be announced at Supply Nation's Gala Dinner, held as part of Connect 2024 Knowledge Forum, Indigenous Business Tradeshow.
Supply Nation's Chief Executive Officer, Kate Russell, says this year's Connect 2024 promises to be bigger and better than ever.
In addition to showcasing Indigenous businesses and with the support of Austrade, Connect 2024 will welcome a significant international delegation representing First Nations businesses and commercial organisations from the United States, Canada and New Zealand.
"Austrade is a key partner for us in assisting the expansion of Indigenous businesses into international markets. Demand is growing not only for the quality products and services but also a recognition of the values and commitment to sustainability that our businesses represent," Ms Russell said.
"The Supplier Diversity Awards are a way to support and recognise excellence among businesses that are committed to diversified procurement policies and the benefits of working with Indigenous businesses.
"Importantly, it's also about honouring our First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs that are making a real difference to their communities, local employment, and the Australian economy."
More than 2000 participants are expected to attend Connect 2024 with Austrade set to host a stand at the Indigenous Business Tradeshow to promote its support services, including the Go Global Toolkit.
Austrade CEO, Xavier Simonet said First Nations businesses make a significant economic contribution to communities and the Australian economy.
"Austrade is implementing programs to assist First Nations businesses to grow exports and successfully go global," Mr Simonet said.
"This involves helping those businesses access new markets. I applaud Indigenous businesses for their achievements throughout the year."
Austrade will provide the Indigenous Exporter of the Year award winner with dedicated trade advisory and promotional support, focusing on Southeast Asia markets.