Indigenous business leaders have come together at the annual NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable to discuss strategies to ensure the Aboriginal business sector continues to thrive into the future.
Held in Sydney on Wednesday, the ninth Roundtable — a NSW Government initiative — had a sector-wide focus on future growth.
The event saw participants provide input to help shape an inaugural NSW Aboriginal Business Strategy, which will be finalised in the coming months.
Topics discussed at the roundtable included procurement, access to capital and support for Aboriginal businesses.
NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce co-chair, Phil Usher, said the Taskforce's work is ongoing.
"We are in a privileged position to be able to represent the voices of Aboriginal businesses in a way that can shape meaningful change," Mr Usher said.
"Over the next five years we expect that half of the Aboriginal businesses within the state will be regionally based. This will lead to more jobs for Aboriginal people and a great opportunity for self-determination on our terms."
Participants also provided input to help shape an inaugural NSW Aboriginal Business Strategy, which will be finalised in the coming months.
The NSW Government is developing the strategy in collaboration with the NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce, an advisory body established by the State Government in 2025.
It came following a recommendation made at a previous roundtable to provide Government with strategic advice on the sector and how it can be supported to grow.
New South Wales Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said the Government is proud to work in partnership with Aboriginal business leaders "to support the success and growth of the sector".
NSW is unique in having a Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5, which specifically focuses on Aboriginal economic prosperity, employment and nurturing businesses.
"The strength of the Aboriginal business sector is a testament to the commitment and resilience of Aboriginal business owners and their employees," Mr Harris said.
"When the Aboriginal business sector is strong, it delivers prosperity and lasting change to help Close the Gap for Aboriginal people and benefit the broader communities throughout NSW.
According to last year's NSW Treasury report there are more registered Aboriginal businesses in New South Wales than any other state or territory, with more than 940 businesses representing more than 31 per cent of First Nations businesses nationwide.
The government said since 2020, 175 new businesses have emerged, showing strong momentum and growth in the state's Aboriginal business sector.
