Media Release: Supply Nation’s Indigenous Business Direct is live
Supply Nation has launched Indigenous Business Direct – Australia’s premier listing of Indigenous businesses.
Indigenous Business Direct features a diverse range of Indigenous businesses from across Australia and is free for all to access. Indigenous Business Direct includes two categories of Indigenous businesses: Certified Suppliers with 51% or more Indigenous ownership, and Registered Businesses with 50% or more Indigenous ownership.
“This is an exciting step for Supply Nation and the Australian Indigenous business sector,” Supply Nation CEO Laura Berry said. “Indigenous Business Direct represents a new, more inclusive approach to facilitating the business opportunities offered to Indigenous businesses. Together with the introduction of the Federal Government’s new Indigenous Procurement Policy, we anticipate Indigenous Business Direct will drive a significant growth in the Indigenous business sector.
“Since our launch six years ago, Supply Nation has established itself as a leader in supplier diversity in Australia and has supported corporate Australia and government at all levels to embed Indigenous businesses within the supply chain of their organisations.
“The Supply Nation Board and I look forward to working with our partners, members and Indigenous businesses to continue to work towards our vision of a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable Indigenous business sector,” Ms Berry concluded.
The government’s new Indigenous Procurement Policy will drive engagement with the Indigenous business sector through the introduction of mandatory set asides for government procurement officers, a target of 3% of all government contracts to be awarded to Indigenous businesses by 2020 and minimum requirements for Indigenous employment and Indigenous supplier use for all new contracts over $7.5m.
Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, today welcomed the launch of Indigenous Business Direct.
“Supply Nation’s Indigenous Business Direct will be the first point of call for government procurement officers looking to fulfil their targets under the new policy. The register will make it easier for government to contact Indigenous businesses about procurement opportunities.
“I urge all Indigenous businesses to register with Supply Nation. It is streamlined, it is free and, importantly, it is publicly available. It will be great for engaging their business with the Commonwealth. And why wouldn’t you want to do business with an Indigenous organisation? There is a huge amount of talent and great practice within the sector. It makes great business sense,” the Minister said.
Explore Indigenous Business Direct
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Supply Nation Senior Communications & Media Officer, Lorna Nolan at [email protected]