Supply Nation has helped generate almost $15 billion dollars of contracts for First Nations businesses over the past 15 years, a report by the not-for-profit organisation has found.

On Monday, Supply Nation released their 'Legacy: Supply Nation's 15-year Anniversary Report' which examined how the organisation has contributed to the growth of the First Nations economy since it was established in 2009 by the then Rudd government.

Supply Nation has come a long way since its inception when in its first year it facilitated around $300,000 of procurement spending with 13 Indigenous businesses.

It now has more than 5,000 verified Indigenous businesses and last year, Supply Nation facilitated $4.1billion worth of spend into First Nations companies.

Some of the key findings of the report include: from 2009 to 2023, Supply Nation facilitated more than $14.7 billion in procurement spend between our members and suppliers (verified Indigenous businesses); the number of suppliers grew at 41 per cent per annum from 2009 to 2024; and the number of members grew by 25 per cent per annum in the same period.

Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell said it was an honour and privilege for the organisation to reach such significant milestones.

"Supply Nation commenced as a three-year pilot program and has well and truly proved its worth, bringing significant benefits to Indigenous businesses that in turn contribute to economic and jobs growth and the prosperity of all Australians," she said.

"We are seeing strong progress across diverse industries, driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability with core values that place improving education, health and social outcomes within communities at the centre of business culture. That is something to celebrate and support."

In August, Ms Russell wrote an opinion piece for the National Indigenous Times about where Supply Nation could be in the next 15 years.

"While the future remains unwritten and stories yet to unfold, we can and must enhance the potential of every Indigenous Australian through economic empowerment," she said.

As we look to a world that places increasing importance on environment, social and governance issues (ESG), Indigenous knowledge must be incorporated into decisions that impact economic growth.

"This is particularly relevant when we look to grow our clean energy and renewables sector as well as sustainable tourism in regional and sensitive natural environments."

Supply Nation is a non-profit organisation that aims to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity and maintains the leading database of verified Indigenous businesses.

A copy of the report is available online.