NSW Export Award Event – Indigenous Exporters
Australian First Nations entrepreneurs are pursuing global markets with grit and ingenuity.
And with the right support can excel to new heights.
This was the conclusion at a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities of exporting.
Supply Nation and Export Council of Australia were proud to have hosted this dialogue, which included Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, and government agencies.
Notable issues raised included:
- Lack of resources and expertise within firms, including staff and finance, are constraining growth
- There are many government and private sector assistance programs, but awareness of them needs improvement, and gaps remain in required services
- There may be value in developing a common shopfront or a general store (brick-and-mortar and online) for Indigenous products
- Successful non-Indigenous exporters are willing to partner with Indigenous businesses to facilitate their international sales
- First Nations businesses should participate in export awards to build connections and profile
- Australia’s global brand should be underpinned by First Nations stories and further promoted
- Exporting is a means for Indigenous businesses to achieve sustained growth.
The discussion culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Supply Nation and Export Council of Australia. It signals the commitment of both parties to assisting Indigenous businesses to succeed in global trade.
We thank all participants of the forum and look forward to your continued engagement and collaboration.
Charys Caldarella; Chris Rees FAICD; Connie Jarrett; Corey Grech; David Vu; Jenny Khan; Jeff Cottee; Julie Okely; Kate Russell; Krystal Doyle; Maryanne Jarrett; Monika Goyal; Nicoline van Cann; Nicole Steinweg; Shane Rizkallah; Trudy Hart; Arnold Jorge; Dianne Tipping; Stefanie Harter; Angela Wright; My Nguyen