The Minns Labor Government is launching its first NSW Aboriginal Business Strategy today, a five-year plan which will see Aboriginal businesses and government work in partnership to drive further growth and innovation across the sector.
The Strategy, released in Tamworth at today’s NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable, recognises the critical importance of Aboriginal self-determination in maintaining strong, sustainable business and employment opportunities.
The NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce, industry leaders and business owners played a key role in developing the Strategy through consultations over the past year, reflecting the Government’s commitment to shared decision-making and Aboriginal-led policy development.
NSW is unique in having its own Closing the Gap Priority Reform (5) which is specifically focused on Aboriginal business, economic participation and employment.
While the Aboriginal business sector is showing strong growth through the leadership and strength of Aboriginal people, it faces unique challenges such as access to capital, procurement and business growth.
The Strategy will reduce barriers, encourage First Nations women’s participation in business, unlock new opportunities, particularly in regional areas, and support Aboriginal business leadership.
Key initiatives include:
- Support for leadership and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on Aboriginal women.
- Building relationships with major banks to identify investment and funding opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.
- Providing targeted support for Aboriginal businesses through a new Aboriginal specific business advisory service run by Service NSW.
- Investment in further research and data to support better understanding of the size and impact of the sector.
- Continuation of the ‘Delivering Better Outcomes’ grants and NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtables.
There are more registered Aboriginal businesses in NSW than any other state or territory, with over 940 businesses, representing more than 31% of First Nations businesses nationwide (NSW Treasury report, 2025).
Aboriginal women are the fastest growing cohort of First Nations business owners, representing more than one third (36%) of Aboriginal business owner/managers nationally (First Nations Women’s Economic Participation Review, 2023).
Aboriginal businesses generate strong economic and social returns and are major employers of Aboriginal people. They also play a critical role in building community resilience, cultural authority and intergenerational prosperity for Aboriginal people.
To download the NSW Aboriginal Business Strategy 2026-31, visit the Aboriginal Affairs NSW website, https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/aboriginal-affairs-nsw/national-agreement-on-closing-gap/aboriginal-business-growth
Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal businesses, which create jobs, drive innovation and strengthen communities across the state – in turn making a significant contribution to the NSW economy.
“We will continue working to find opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to secure government contracts. This will help drive economic growth, create jobs and strengthen communities across NSW.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“The NSW Government is proud to walk alongside Aboriginal business owners in supporting and empowering businesses to grow, which in turn helps Aboriginal communities to thrive and benefits the economy as a whole.
“This new Strategy demonstrates the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting Aboriginal economic participation, two essential elements of Closing the Gap.
“The success of Aboriginal businesses in NSW is a testament to the leadership, innovation and strength of Aboriginal business owners, employees and entrepreneurs.”
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
“Small businesses are the beating heart of our regional communities, and First Nations entrepreneurs, particularly Aboriginal women, are driving remarkable innovation and growth across our state.
“Their contribution to regional economies is recognised along with all small business operators and they have told us that creating economic independence and wealth if key to many other goals.
“This Strategy is specifically designed to back the Aboriginal business community by breaking down the real-world barriers they face every day, from accessing capital to scaling up operations.
“By delivering targeted support through a dedicated Aboriginal business advisory service at Service NSW, we are making sure Aboriginal small business owners, especially those in regional NSW, have the direct tools, advice, and backing they need to thrive.”
Co-Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce Phil Usher (Wiradjuri) said:
“Aboriginal people have creative and entrepreneurial minds. We just need to harness that and put it into ways to build businesses, and look after family and Community in the process.
“Priority Reform 5 is about putting us in the position to start building businesses and building wealth, and not just looking after this generation but the next six or seven generations.”
Acting Director of Yarpa Business Hub Shannon Mallison (Wiradjuri) said:
“We know that Aboriginal businesses are more likely to support local sporting and community groups through philanthropy and we know that when you spend with an Aboriginal businesses you get a much greater social return on investment.
“But Aboriginal businesses go way beyond the dollar value. It is the leadership and role modelling that makes a real difference. The Aboriginal business sector is self-determination in action.”
