Supply Nation contract to manage Indigenous Business Direct extended
Supply Nation’s management of Indigenous Business Direct, Australia’s national directory of verified Indigenous-owned businesses, and associated verification, has been extended for a further 12 months.
Under the existing commercial arrangement with the NIAA, Supply Nation manages Indigenous Business Direct and undertakes business verification on behalf of the Commonwealth Government.
Indigenous Business Direct is Australia’s publicly accessible, searchable directory of verified Indigenous-owned businesses, enabling organisations across the country to identify and engage Indigenous suppliers with confidence.
Strengthened eligibility requirements
Supply Nation has managed Indigenous Business Direct on behalf of the Australian Government, strengthening confidence in Indigenous business engagement and supporting the integrity of Indigenous procurement. Today, the directory includes more than 6,400 verified Indigenous-owned businesses operating across every sector of the Australian economy.
The extension comes as the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) introduces strengthened eligibility requirements, with Indigenous businesses now required to demonstrate they are 51 per cent or more owned and controlled by First Nations people to meet the new criteria.
Beyond managing Indigenous Business Direct, Supply Nation supports a national membership of more than 900 corporate, government and not-for-profit member organisations, providing services, insights and resources that help members increase procurement from verified Indigenous-owned businesses and contribute to the growth of Australia’s Indigenous business sector.
Supply Nation also plays a leading role in research and data collection on Indigenous business participation in the Australian economy.
Its latest State of Indigenous Business report found that Supply Nation members directed more than $5.83 billion in procurement spend to businesses listed on Indigenous Business Direct during the 2024-25 financial year, an increase of $1.23 billion on the previous year and the highest level of Indigenous procurement recorded to date.
Supply Nation Chief Executive Officer Kate Russell.
Supply Nation looks forward to participating in the forthcoming tender process and continuing to support the growth, sustainability and long-term success of Indigenous businesses across Australia.
Supply Nation Chief Executive Officer and proud Awabakal woman Kate Russell said the organisation welcomed the opportunity presented by the tender process.
“Supply Nation is proud to deliver Indigenous Business Direct on behalf of the Australian Government. It is a significant responsibility that we take seriously,” Ms Russell said.
“For more than a decade, we have worked to build and maintain a trusted verification system that gives buyers confidence and creates opportunities for Indigenous businesses to grow and succeed.
“Over the course of our stewardship, the number of verified Indigenous-owned businesses listed on the directory has grown significantly, increasing by approximately 20 per cent on year.
“These businesses operate across every sector of the economy, creating jobs, driving innovation and contributing to the prosperity of their communities and the nation.
“We welcome the extension of the current arrangements and look forward to demonstrating the value, integrity and impact of our work through the upcoming tender process.”
