The Aboriginal Business Directory WA (ABDWA), managed by CCIWA’s Industry Capability WA (ICNWA), reached a major milestone recently with 1,000 Aboriginal businesses now listed.
The ABDWA artwork was inspired by the artwork Kangaroo Travelling by Deborah Coertse (also known as Deborah Newenham).
The free-to-use directory is utilised by the WA Government and private organisations to identify Aboriginal businesses available for procurement and contracting opportunities.
An Aboriginal business is defined as having at least 50% ownership by an Aboriginal interest.
Head of ICNWA Ray Loh says the directory has had a significant contribution in supporting the growth of Aboriginal businesses in WA.
“ABDWA works collaboratively with other Aboriginal organisations such as the Waalitj Hub, regional Aboriginal chambers and strategic partner the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum Aboriginal Corporation (IEBF), as well as the sponsors on the directory to run workshops where businesses get to meet the buying organisations to build relationships with them,” he says.
“Since ICN started managing the directory, we have seen an increasing number of Aboriginal businesses submitting EOIs (expressions of interest) on the projects that we are involved with.”
Improved user experience
CCIWA started managing the directory about six years ago and has implemented several initiatives to add more value to users.
“The directory has gone from strength to strength. We have made a number of new enhancements, not least the ability to add the language groups of the business owners and better search functionalities,” Loh says.
“All this has been made possible by our amazing sponsors and clients that are genuine about increasing opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.”
Businesses increasing Indigenous spend
Loh says it’s been positive to see a genuine desire from businesses to improve their Aboriginal business spend, which contributes to improving socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous communities.
“Whilst the State Government target is 4%, private organisations are often targeting higher, some even achieving 8-10%,” he says.
“Those who are leading the way run workshops to build capabilities for Aboriginal businesses, as well as requests from corporates for ICN to identify business for targeted work.”
ICN data shows Indigenous people comprise about 25% of Indigenous businesses’ workforce.
“We hope to continue ensuring that the directory contains businesses that are genuinely Aboriginally-owned, with as much relevant information as possible for buyers,” Loh says.
Aboriginal businesses looking to grow are encouraged to use ICN WA as a business development resource, whether it be submitting EOIs on the Gateway portal or attending an event.
CCIWA’s Industry Capability Network can help you register your business on the Aboriginal Business Directory, or connect you with suppliers with the right capabilities for your project. Contact the ICNWA team on (08) 9365 7623 or by email at [email protected].
