Forum will promote indigenous start- ups

AN indigenous investment forum will bring together hundreds of industry leaders, investors and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in Townsville today.

State Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner said the Government’s Investing Together forum provided a platform to exchange ideas and views on indigenous business investment.

“Investing Together is an opportunity to showcase best practice, analyse case studies and facilitate targeted conversations through panel sessions and workshops focused on unlocking indigenous business potential in Queensland,” Mr Furner said.

“Stable and continuing investment into indigenous business equals opportunities for indigenous Queenslanders to participate in the economy, build wealth and better invest in health, education and home and business ownership.”

The forum follows the launch of the Government’s Buy Queensland procurement policy and an accompanying Queensland Indigenous Procurement Policy aimed at increasing the share of Government contracts awarded to indigenous businesses to 3 per cent by 2022.

Mr Furner said the policy would guide decision making, increase the visibility of indigenous businesses and increase the value of procurement with indigenous businesses.

“It will increase the capacity and capability of indigenous businesses to successfully tender for Queensland Government contracts, grow and develop a diverse and sustainable indigenous business sector in Queensland and improve the opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in the state’s economy.”

Townsville Region Indigenous Business Network acting chairman Keith Williams said the forum provided an opportunity to showcase Townsville’s indigenous business offerings. Mr Williams said the network and its partners had been working with its 40- plus members to grow their capabilities.

“This has increased contracts awarded to North Queensland indigenous businesses that demonstrate competitiveness in the marketplace,” Mr Williams said.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the city was perfectly positioned to host the forum as an emerging leader for indigenous start- ups.

Topics include the digital economy, supply chain success, microfinancing, marketing for growth, collaborative investment and women in business.