In celebration of Indigenous Business Month 2024, the Queensland Local Buying Foundation was honoured to be a Gold Sponsor for the First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition, a standout event organized by Marabisda Inc. in Mackay. The event drew local and regional First Nations businesses together to showcase their products, services, and talents, all while promoting the 2024 theme: “Making Our Mark.”
Throughout the exhibition, C-Res team members, along with QLD Trading Tracks, engaged directly with attendees, celebrating the energy and diversity brought by Indigenous business owners and leaders.
With around 30 First Nations businesses in attendance, the exhibition was more than a showcase—it was a platform for networking, learning, and sharing. From local food producers to creative service providers, each business had the chance to reach new buyers, build valuable relationships, and explore opportunities for growth.
Special features of the event included the Welcome to Country and vibrant performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers. Workshops designed to enhance critical business skills, such as writing capability statements and budgeting essentials offered valuable, hands-on learning for both budding entrepreneurs and established business leaders, supporting their journey to long-term success and resilience.
This Indigenous Business Month, the First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition has certainly left a mark on the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions, strengthening the path for future Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs.
—-
10 Sept, 2024
In celebration of Indigenous Business Month 2024, the Queensland Local Buying Foundation is proud to announce sponsorship of the First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition, under the Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences and Events funding category and as part of the LBF commitment to Indigenous Economic Development.
This event organised by Marabisda Inc. and set to take place in Mackay this October, is particularly significant as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of Indigenous Business Month in Australia, which has been held annually since 2015.
This year’s theme, “Making Our Mark,” aims to inspire the next generation of First Nations business leaders, highlighting the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as producers, doers, and creators. The First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition will serve as a platform to promote and support local First Nation businesses from the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsundays regions, allowing them to showcase their products and services.
The First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition is expected to attract around 30-40 First Nations businesses from the region, providing them with an invaluable platform to increase their visibility, raise their profiles, and explore new revenue-generating opportunities through sales and contract procurement. The exhibition will feature a Welcome to Country ceremony and performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, setting a culturally rich tone for the day. An Indigenous business exhibition will facilitate networking opportunities between local First Nation business owners and potential buyers, and a panel discussion featuring local Indigenous business owners will provide insights into best business practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops designed to enhance business capabilities, including a Capability Statement Workshop and a Budgeting Workshop. These workshops will help entrepreneurs and business leaders refine key business skills such as creating capability statements—an essential tool for business growth.
By fostering connections between First Nations businesses and broader industry, the event will contribute to the growth and success of Indigenous entrepreneurs in the region. With Indigenous Business Month’s focus on making an impact, the First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition is sure to leave a lasting mark on Mackay, Isaac, and the Whitsunday communities.
Kelly Cooke, C-Res Indigenous Business Development Principal commented, “We are deeply honoured to support the First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition. We believe that by investing in Indigenous businesses, we contribute to a stronger, more vibrant economy for everyone. By creating opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration, we are empowering the next generation of Indigenous business leaders to make their mark. By supporting and promoting events like the First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition, we help create a space where Indigenous businesses can thrive, share their stories, and expand their networks. Together, we can ensure that Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.”
More information and ticket links can be found on our Events page.