Black Coffee Australia is a powerful, grassroots Indigenous business networking movement initiated and solely supported by IM as a pro bono project. Recognising that culture plays an essential role in healthy societies, this initiative reflects IM’s commitment to activating the cultural landscape and promoting economic empowerment. The project’s aim is straightforward: to provide a consistent platform where micro and small Indigenous business owners, professionals, and their supporters can connect, build relationships, and grow their networks nationwide.

The primary challenge addressed by Black Coffee was the need to combat the isolation often experienced by Indigenous micro- and small-business owners, particularly those operating in regional Australia. There was a lack of a unified, grassroots platform to bring these professionals together on a regular basis. Black Coffee is a platform that addresses the challenges faced by regional businesses, including the formation of robust local networks and opportunities for mentorship and knowledge sharing. Equally, there was a systemic need to create accessible avenues for Indigenous businesses to be seen by and engage with non-Indigenous companies, government agencies, and organisations, to promote cross-sector awareness and procurement opportunities.

Building on our experience of over 10 years in training small businesses, IM’s founder, Leesa Watego, began hosting network meetings in cafes in 2014 to support the development of business communities in South East Queensland. Over time, this expanded to regional and remote areas of Queensland and then Australia. By 2016, these events had evolved into Black Coffee, a simple, self-sustaining networking solution that originated in Queensland and has since expanded nationwide.

The model is founded on monthly, low-barrier-to-entry gatherings held in various regions across Australia. IM provides the organisational infrastructure, promotional materials, and a Volunteer Coordinator Guide to support local business champions to host their own events easily. By keeping the event model flexible and community-led, and encouraging Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, as well as local Council and government departments to participate, Black Coffee supports direct engagement between and with the Indigenous business sector.

The Black Coffee movement has achieved significant outcomes in activating the Indigenous business community and fostering economic participation. It has successfully built opportunities for Indigenous business owners to connect, yarn, and form valuable professional relationships. The initiative has activated local Indigenous business communities to host regular or one-off targeted industry gatherings. By providing this platform, Black Coffee encourages awareness, connection and business opportunities with Indigenous businesses. The continuous growth of the “Black Coffee family” is a testament to its success, evidenced by increasing lifetime attendees and a growing network of subscribers across various regions and demographics.