Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses are a great choice when procuring goods and services for your RAP and general needs. They:
- deliver innovative products and services
- employ First Nations people
- reconnect their employees to culture
- instil pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- invest back into communities and help heal the trauma of the stolen generations.
When you engage an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander business, you’re supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations, employment and supplier diversity.
Supplier diversity is important. It boosts the number of businesses owned by people from minority or marginalised groups supplying goods and services to public and private sector organisations.
Buying from one of these businesses also helps strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
A good place to start is to find out which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses are in your local area and then broaden your search. If the business has an online presence, engage with the ‘About us’ or ‘Our Story’ section to find out more about the business and people you are supporting.
Supply Nation is a directory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses. You can use their search function to find businesses in your area and beyond.
Develop a list of local, regional, state/territory-based and national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses. Include these businesses in your procurement policies and procedures.