More than 500 delegates from across the world gathered in Melbourne on 29 October to celebrate and further support Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman spoke at the 16th annual World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF 2025), highlighting the significance of the event in showcasing how Indigenous leadership and enterprise is thriving in Victoria.
The event– which lasted into the next week– welcomed representatives from more than 14 countries as well as delegates and businesses from around Australia.
The forum provides leaders from across business, government, academia and industry an opportunity to share insights and develop strategies that drive empowerment for Indigenous communities.
WIBF 2025 comes shortly after First Nations Victorians promoted their strengths and talents at the World Expo 2025 in Japan in August.
Helping Aboriginal businesses to start, grow and compete locally and globally is part of the state government’s Yuma Yirramboi (Invest in Tomorrow) Strategy and key for achieving economic parity for Aboriginal Victorians within a generation.
Employment and small business minister Natalie Suleyman said that it was an important step in bridging the aforementioned gap.
“The 16th World Indigenous Business Forum 2025 brings together First Nations businesses and leaders from around the world to network, collaborate and advance Indigenous economic growth,” she said.
“Together, we’re building stronger trade links, more investment, and more jobs – with First Nations communities.
