The Supply Nation Connect 2024 Knowledge Forum, held in Meanjin (Brisbane) at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, opened with a resonant message from chief executive Kate Russell, setting the stage for a two-day event centred around the theme of legacy.
"In the past 12 months, Supply Nation has been thinking deeply about impact. What do we want to leave for those that come after us?" she asked, underscoring the organisation's focus on long-term sustainability and empowerment, particularly off the back of the failed referendum on constitutional recognition and a Voice to Parliament.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Supply Nation, an organisation that began as a three-year pilot to support Indigenous business growth.
"Supply Nation was established as the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council... Simply, we were created to support the growth and success of Indigenous business," Ms Russell recalled.
The journey from a small initiative to what is widely regarded as now a piece of critical infrastructure when it comes to Indigenous economic engagement in Australia, where Indigenous businesses now contribute more than $16 billion to the national economy, employ over 116,000 people, and pay over $4 billion in wages each year.
The CEO also celebrated the community that has grown around Supply Nation, stating, "We stand here in awe at the foresight and dedication of all those who have contributed to our success."
Ms Russell acknowledged the role of partnerships, like the recent MOUs with the Business Council of Australia and Austrade, which provide additional support and expertise to Indigenous businesses as they continue to expand. The event itself has grown from modest beginnings to the largest trade event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in the country with over 2000 people expected to attend over the two days.
Newly appointed co-chair of Supply Nation, Damien Barnes, echoed Kate Russell's focus on legacy but also brought attention to the challenges ahead.
"Supply Nation is unique. It's precisely that uniqueness that makes it so valuable, but also so vulnerable," he said.
Mr Barnes highlighted specific issues Indigenous businesses face, such as institutional biases, access to capital, and the concerning rise of 'black cladding'—a practice where non-Indigenous companies falsely claim Indigenous ownership to secure contracts.
"We're looking to tackle black cladding head-on," he said, emphasising the board's commitment to protecting the integrity of Indigenous businesses.
Supply Nation's annual flagship event, Connect, will be held over two days at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs, corporate organisations, and government departments.