A record 130-plus Indigenous businesses are set to be showcased at Supply Nation's annual Connect event, which commences in Perth / Boorloo on Tuesday.
Now in its 16th year, the event is the largest and longest-running event in on First Nations business sector calendar.
Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said Connect is not just another business event or tradeshow.
"It is unique in an Australian context," Ms Russell said.
"It brings together Blak excellence with corporate and government buyers as well as ensuring the broader community understand the contributions Indigenous peoples make to the national economy and prosperity of all Australians."
This year's Connect event will open with a Knowledge Forum at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted by award-winning journalist, media presenter, and proud Gamilaroi woman, Brooke Boney.
Supply Nation said the Knowledge Forum seeks to address issues and challenges impacting the growth of the Indigenous business sector through discussions with government and industry in a constructive and meaningful way.
Connect will also feature a keynote address Supply Nation's 2025 Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year, King Kira founder Tammy O'Connor.
A series of panel discussions and interactive workshops will follow, providing Indigenous business owners with practical insights, expert advice, and valuable connections to help maximise future success.
The Indigenous Business Tradeshow will be presented on Wednesday, with more than 230 exhibitors — including traditional wellbeing and beauty products derived from native botanicals, creative industries, construction and project management, geo-spatial mapping services, mine rehabilitation, fleet and car hire services and cybersecurity and software digital consulting — set to present their products and services.
"We are extremely excited to bring Connect to Boorloo this year and have received fantastic support from government and businesses across the state," Ms Russell said.
"Given its strengths in mining, resources and energy, Western Australia remains an extremely strong jurisdiction for procurement from Indigenous-owned businesses."
Supply Nation said WA Indigenous businesses collectively received more than $ 2.1 billion in procurement spending in the last financial year (2024-2025) from its government and corporate members.
They said the total national figure in procurement spend received by Indigenous businesses during the same period was $5.83 billion.
Ms Russell said Supply Nation's recent research found Western Australia is a national leader in procurement from businesses owned by Indigenous women.
"These businesses received a total of $708 million in procurement spend from Supply Nation's government and corporate members, which is almost half of the national total spend with female-owned Indigenous suppliers," she said.
"Notably, 73 per cent of WA's transactions over $1 million were awarded to businesses owned by women."
Connect will culminate with the annual Gala Awards Dinner on the evening of 12 August, which celebrates the Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards finalists and winners and their commitment to excellence in the sector and Indigenous business success.
Award winners are selected from three finalists across ten categories, with one business or individual selected from all finalists taking home the Dr Dean Jarrett Award recognising Outstanding Impact.
