Aboriginal businesses across NSW will receive greater support to access finance, government contracts and growth opportunities under a new five-year state strategy.
The NSW Aboriginal Business Strategy 2026-31 was launched in Tamworth at the NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable, with a focus on reducing barriers and expanding economic opportunities, particularly in regional communities.
More than 940 Aboriginal businesses are registered in NSW, accounting for more than 31 per cent of First Nations businesses nationally.
Aboriginal women are also the fastest-growing cohort of First Nations business owners, representing 36 per cent of Aboriginal business owner-managers nationally.
The strategy includes a dedicated Aboriginal business advisory service through Service NSW, greater engagement with major banks to improve access to investment and funding and support for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and business leaders.
It will also continue the Delivering Better Outcomes grants and NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtables and invest in research to better measure the size and economic impact of the sector.
The strategy was developed following consultation with the NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce, industry leaders and business owners over the past year.
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said regional communities stood to benefit from further growth in the sector.
“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.” said Saffin.
“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.”
Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said the government would continue working to increase opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.
“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.” said Houssos.
“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 strategy was also aimed at strengthening Aboriginal self-determination.
“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.” said Harris.
“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.”
NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce co-chair Phil Usher (Wiradjuri) said the strategy was about creating opportunities extending across generations.
“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.” said Usher.
“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 Aboriginal businesses also delivered wider benefits to their communities.
“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.” said Mallison.
“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.”
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