Supply Nation will bring its Indigenous Business Trade Fair to Sydney in November, following a record turnout at its flagship Connect event in Perth earlier this year.
The Sydney Trade Fair will be held on 26 November, with approximately 100 verified Indigenous businesses expected to showcase goods and services to corporate, government and not-for-profit procurement and supply chain professionals.
Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said the event will give businesses another opportunity to connect directly with potential buyers following the event in Perth.
"The City of Sydney was a founding member of Supply Nation and has been a strong supporter of increased engagement with Indigenous suppliers through procurement initiatives," she said.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with the City of Sydney on the Trade Fair and thank them for the considerable support."
Supply Nation described the Connect event in Boorloo/Perth as Australia's largest and longest-running event for the Indigenous business sector.
More than 230 exhibitors took part, showcasing businesses across sectors including traditional wellbeing and beauty products, creative industries, construction and project management, geospatial mapping, mine rehabilitation, fleet and vehicle hire, cybersecurity and software consulting.
More than 4,700 individual tickets were issued across the two-day event.
The Perth event also featured a Knowledge Forum, panel discussions and workshops focused on challenges and opportunities facing the Indigenous business sector, before culminating in the Supplier Diversity Awards.
Western Australian Indigenous businesses received more than $2.1 billion in procurement spending from its government and corporate members in the 2024-25 financial year, while the national figure reached $5.83 billion.
The organisation's figures show New South Wales recorded the highest overall procurement figure among Supply Nation member organisations during the same financial year, at $1.71 billion.
"Local government procurement targets can play a significant role in supporting Indigenous business growth with a buy local approach. Some councils are already demonstrating what is possible but much more can be done to capitalise on this untapped potential to improve economic outcomes," Ms Russell said.
"I encourage local council procurement representatives from Sydney councils to take the time to attend our Trade Fair and assess for themselves the great product and service quality on show. You won't be disappointed."
NSW is also home to more than 2,000 Supply Nation-verified Indigenous businesses listed on Indigenous Business Direct — the national directory of verified Indigenous businesses.
The Sydney Trade Fair is expected to provide buyers with an opportunity to meet Indigenous business owners and identify potential suppliers across a range of industries.
Supply Nation said the continued expansion of Indigenous business is contributing to jobs, innovation and Australia's broader economy, with research showing every dollar of revenue generated by Indigenous-owned businesses produces $3.66 in economic and social value for the Australian economy.
"Importantly, this value is generated through Indigenous businesses simply operating as businesses," they said. "It does not include the impact of additional formal or informal support, philanthropic programs, or other initiatives."
The Indigenous Business Trade Fair will be held on Thursday 26 November 2026 at the iconic Walsh Bay Arts Precinct (Pier 2/3), 13A Hickson Road, Dawes Point. Event registrations can be made online.
