Indigenous Business Month.

Indigenous Business Month is a nationwide October celebration that highlights the creativity, leadership, and economic impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Co founded by IM’s Leesa Watego with partners from the MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class Program, the initiative brings national attention to the strength of Indigenous enterprise and the role it plays in self determination and community wellbeing.

About the project

Indigenous Business Month (IBM) is an annual celebration held every October, dedicated to recognising and promoting the strength, innovation, and impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Australia. Born out of the MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class Program and founded by Mayrah Sonter from 33 Creative, Michelle Evans from Melbourne Business School and Leesa Watego from IM, IBM is built on the belief that business is a critical vehicle towards self-determination and improving the quality of life in Indigenous communities.

The challenge

The fundamental challenge that IBM addresses is the need to raise the overall profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Australia. Despite the significant and growing contribution of the First Nations business sector, which generates billions in revenue and provides thousands of jobs, the impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses is often under-recognised by the broader Australian economy and community. This initiative aims to address the lack of widespread awareness and inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The solution

Indigenous Business Month is a comprehensive, nationwide annual campaign that showcases the power of Indigenous-led enterprises in October through a month-long celebration, aiming to both unite and highlight the positive social and economic impacts of the sector. Through its annual themes, IBM highlights the diverse aspects and areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

IBM encourages community-led events, networking sessions, and workshops throughout the month to maximise local engagement and awareness. A core component of the month is the yearly Indigenous Business Month Awards, which formally recognise and celebrate Indigenous-led leadership and ingenuity.

The results

Indigenous Business Month achieves several far-reaching outcomes that strengthen the Indigenous business ecosystem across Australia. It sparks collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and organisations, while actively raising the national profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Crucially, IBM raises awareness of the vital role Indigenous businesses play in creating jobs, preserving culture, and driving economic development, all of which are essential for self-determination. Furthermore, the month encourages organisations and governments to review their procurement practices and actively engage with Indigenous suppliers. Since its establishment in 2015, IBM has become a successful and essential annual platform designed to support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Project Snapshot

Indigenous Business Month is a national campaign that raises the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, encouraging connection, visibility, and new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Australia.