From humble beginnings in 2009 with a cohort of just 13 Indigenous businesses, Australia's leading advocate of supplier diversity, Supply Nation on Thursday welcomed its 5000th verified First Nations corporation.
Arnya Consulting on Thursday became the 5000th business available for procurement services via Supply Nation's public database, Indigenous Business Direct.
A business solutions provider that bridges the distance between urban and remote areas by blending Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge digital solutions, Arnya is focused on connecting businesses that value Indigenous knowledge with First Nations communities.
Based in Weipa, in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula, Arnya Consulting is focused on enhancing the digital economy to support economic growth in remote communities across Australia.
Arnya's Sheridan Teitzel said it was critical communities had digital infrastructure to leverage any opportunities that came their way.
"Communities need energy … for them to become all that they can be," Ms Teitzel said.
Supply Nation CEO, Kate Russell said Indigenous businesses were now active in every sector of the Australian economy, from those operating in agribusiness, food and beverages, to construction, engineering, logistics, tourism, energy and resources, and now creative industries such as aerospace, cybersecurity and data protection.
"The diversity of the Indigenous business sector cannot be underestimated," she said.
"I am constantly overwhelmed and inspired by the passion and maturity of Indigenous businesses, particularly those in remote regions, and the growing contribution they are making to economic and jobs growth as well as the communities and customers they serve."
Supply Nation's robust verification process provides peace of mind by ensuring all businesses listed on Indigenous Business Direct are not only Indigenous owned but are regularly audited for changes in company structure.
Ms Russell said Arnya Consulting was another example of excellence in business shown by First Nations corporate leaders and female entrepreneurs, a fact not lost on Ms Teitzel.
"It is wonderful to be part of this significant milestone for Supply Nation, and other Indigenous businesses," Ms Teitzel said.
This year also marks 15 years of Supply Nation working to grow the Indigenous business sector, with the milestone evidence of the growing contribution of Indigenous businesses to the Australian economy.
In the 2022/23 financial year for example, Supply Nation facilitated $4.1 billion of spend with verified Indigenous suppliers.
The milestone achievement coincides with Supply Nation's Connect 2024, an annual event that unites Indigenous businesses and corporate and government organisations to foster strategic opportunities and celebrate the success of the First Nations business sector.
"The Indigenous business sector is growing from strength to strength, and we will see that represented at our Connect 2024 event this year and reflected in our Supplier Diversity Awards," Ms Russell said.
"Australia is starting to fully appreciate how deadly Indigenous-owned business can be, here in this country, and in our international markets."
Connect 2024 will for the first time be held in Meanjin on the lands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 28-29, with more than 2,000 participants expected to attend the event.
