Proud Murrumburr woman and entrepreneur Kylie-Lee Bradford says now is the time for First Nations businesses to take their stories to the world.

The founder of Kakadu Organics started the native foods and wellness products company in 2014 in the small Aboriginal community of Murdudjurl, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory.

The business now exports its products to several international markets and recently added the United States to its growing global footprint.

In 2024-25, export revenues for booming Top End companies rose by more than 200%, driven by new international demand for the business's native botanical ingredients.

Ms Bradford said First Nations businesses have shown their products and stories belong on the global stage.

"Be bold, back yourself and don't be afraid to take your story to the world," she told The Indigenous Business Review (a National Indigenous Times publication) about any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander businesses wanting to tackle the international market.

"Build genuine relationships, understand your markets and stay true to who you are. As a First Nations business, our culture and connection to Country are our greatest strengths."

Ms Bradford said it was vital that Kakadu Organics work alongside Aboriginal women in rural and remote communities, the custodians of traditional plant knowledge and seasonal harvesting practices.

She also mentors women on Country to develop their own businesses, and her company ensures income flows directly back to Aboriginal communities, which in turn creates economic empowerment for Indigenous Australians.

"Giving back isn't something separate from our business; it's at the heart of why we exist," she said.

"We create economic opportunities for First Nations communities, support sustainable native ingredient supply chains and empower women in rural and remote Australia to build their own businesses."

Ms Bradford also has plans to take Kakadu Organics to the next level by expanding its international footprint.

"Our ambition is to build a globally recognised First Nations brand that not only celebrates our culture but creates lasting economic opportunities for generations to come," she said.

Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell said Indigenous-owned businesses such as Kakadu Organics thrive on the global stage because of their strong connection to Country and compelling provenance.

"International expansion contributes to domestic jobs growth and better community outcomes, but importantly, businesses like Kakadu Organics are supporting economic and public diplomacy initiatives by informing the world of our Aboriginal knowledge systems and unique botanicals that have sustained a culture for more than 60,000 years," she said.