Indigenous Business Month (IBM) co-founders announced this year’s award winners at a special breakfast event in Sydney today, marking the 10th anniversary of IBM.
The co-founders—Mayrah Sonter, Leesa Watego, and Dr Evans—recognised the collective achievements of Indigenous businesses over the past decade, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable and inclusive practices.
Dr Michelle Evans, co-founder of the Dilin Duwa Centre, praised the impact of Indigenous businesses:
“The sector employs over 116,795 people, demonstrating how Indigenous enterprises are committed to developing Indigenous talent.”
The gathering brought together Indigenous business professionals, past award winners, and this year’s honorees to celebrate the progress of First Nations businesses and strengthen networks in the community.
The co-founders highlighted that this milestone represents a significant moment for Indigenous enterprises and their allies to reflect and rejoice in their business practices.
Four outstanding Indigenous businesses were recognised with awards this year:
- Indigenous Ingenuity Award: Project Net Zero for using innovative business models to tackle community challenges.
- Indigenous Digital Inventiveness Award: Empower Digital for enhancing cultural creativity through digital enterprise.
- I2I Award: Riley Callie Resources Pty Ltd for fostering connections between Indigenous businesses.
- Regional Indigenous Business Award: Townsville CBD Electrical Pty Ltd for significant contributions to regional economies.
This year’s guest judge for the Indigenous Business Month Award Applications was Rory Chapman, a descendant of the Wiradjuri/Ngemba people and from the Beetson, Falk and Majick families and a well-known technology leader and owner of Embrace Tech, which supports Indigenous organisations through technology.
Chapman expressed admiration for the high quality of applicants and winners, highlighting their exceptional innovation and commitment to Indigenous excellence.
“I was incredibly impressed to see the calibre of the applicants and winners for the Indigenous Business Month awards this year. There were some truly exceptional businesses and business owners, showcasing remarkable innovation and blak excellence!”
Simone Kenmore, Head of Indigenous Banking at CommBank, congratulated all finalists and winners, expressing support for the growth of the Indigenous business sector.
“CommBank is a proud supporter of Indigenous Business Month and is committed to supporting thriving Indigenous Business Sector. Congratulations to the 2024 Award finalists and winners!“
Indigenous Business Month is a collective movement that celebrates and showcases the diversity and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Australia in October. The event was generously supported by CommBank and the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership.
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