Aboriginal business owners and entrepreneurs from across NSW will gather in Tamworth next month for an event focused on growing the sector, strengthening government procurement opportunities and shaping future economic initiatives.
The 10th NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable will be held on Gomeroi Country on Thursday, 10 September, under the theme ‘Foundations of Tomorrow’.
For the first time, the roundtable will be held alongside ‘Gather and Grow’, the NSW Government’s engagement series connecting First Nations businesses with government buyers and industry representatives.
Minister for Finance, Natural Resources, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said the event would provide an opportunity to hear directly from Aboriginal businesses about opportunities for investment and growth.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting local businesses to succeed and grow. I look forward to meeting with Aboriginal organisations to hear more about what we can do together to create opportunities for investment and growth.
“The NSW economy is built on the hard work of business owners who provide local jobs and build stronger communities across the state. Events like “Gather and Grow” help to ensure everyone has the opportunity to do that.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity to help businesses, both new and established, come together and share their knowledge in order to benefit the NSW economy as a whole.”
The free event will bring together new and established Aboriginal business owners, industry leaders and government representatives to network, share knowledge and discuss the future of Aboriginal business in NSW.
Participants will hear keynote addresses from Houssos, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, and NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce Co-Chair Phil Usher.
A panel featuring NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff and senior executives from NSW Treasury and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will examine how the government can better support Aboriginal businesses to grow.
Participants will also receive information about the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy and opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to participate in government supply chains, contracts and purchasing.
The Gather and Grow program will give regional Aboriginal businesses an opportunity to connect directly with government buyers and industry representatives while showcasing local business capability.
Harris said Aboriginal businesses played an important role in communities and economies across the state.
“Aboriginal businesses make a significant contribution to local communities, regional economies and the broader NSW economy.
“This event will celebrate the strength and innovation of the Aboriginal business sector while providing practical opportunities to learn, network and shape future government initiatives.
“I’m looking forward to joining Aboriginal business owners and entrepreneurs in Tamworth, a region with a strong and growing Aboriginal business community, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and how we can continue to support its success.”
NSW has an ongoing Closing the Gap commitment — Priority Reform 5 — focused specifically on supporting Aboriginal economic prosperity and growing a strong Aboriginal business sector.
The Tamworth region has established partnerships between Aboriginal people, organisations, businesses and government through the Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO) and the Mara Ngali place-based partnership agreement.
The roundtable will highlight Aboriginal businesses operating across the Tamworth region and their contribution to the local economy and community.
According to a 2025 NSW Treasury report, NSW has more than 940 registered Aboriginal businesses, accounting for more than 31 per cent of First Nations businesses nationally.
Participants are encouraged to attend the Tamworth event in person, with a livestream also available for those unable to attend.
Registration is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-business-roundtable.
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