It’s more than business: Building a legacy for the Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo
The Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo is returning for its third year on Friday 31 October, placing culture, connection and entrepreneurship at the forefront.
Held at the Novotel Wollongong North Beach, the Expo will provide a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and operated businesses to showcase their expertise, products and services to the community.
More than 50 businesses are expected to attend from a range of industries including community services, construction, education and culture, food and hospitality, health and safety, IT and professional services.
Council launched the event in 2023 at Wollongong Art Gallery as a joint initiative with Illawarra Indigenous Business Network (IIBN). It has outgrown its humble beginnings, and the event is now being delivered by First Nations business, Sacred Country Consulting, a transition that was always part of the long-term plan for the Expo.
You can read more about this exciting transition in our media release: Major leap forward for evolving Aboriginal Business Expo
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown has enjoyed the tremendous growth of the event and is inspired by the momentum and legacy its building.
“The Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo has been received well, and that’s because of the incredible businesses and entrepreneurs involved,” she said.
“It’s encouraging to see the passion and collaboration that goes into delivering the Expo, and I can’t wait to see what happens under the management of Gemma and Sacred Country Consulting.
“We’re confident it’ll be another great day that uplifts First Nation owned businesses and inspires the next generation. I encourage people to check out what’s on offer - consider growing your network and learning more about procuring Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander owned goods and services.”
Indigenous businesses can network and connect at the event and both government and non-government organisations have the opportunity to talk firsthand to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners and managers.
An added benefit of the Expo is that organisations with a Reconciliation Action Plan can gain valuable insights as well as look to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Scared Country Consulting’s Founder Gemma Lloyd said the Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo showcases the strength and creativity of our people.
“It’s a celebration of self-determination and an invitation to connect, collaborate, and invest in First Nations businesses. I’m proud to see how far the Expo has come and to continue building on its legacy for future generations,” she said.
The Expo aligns with Indigenous Business Month that is held nationwide each year between 1 and 31 October.
For a full list of the businesses at the Expo, please visit the website.