World Indigenous Business Forum Comes To Melbourne
More than 500 delegates from across the world are in Melbourne this week 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.
Victoria is proud to host and sponsor WIBF 2025 which will welcome representatives from more than 14 countries as well as delegates and businesses from around Australia.
Delegates from WA are in Melbourne for the event.
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.
“The World Indigenous Business Forum reflects what Kinaway stands for: partnership, opportunity and community,” Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Victoria Acting CEO Alex Martins said.
It is a privilege to bring global Indigenous leaders together here in Victoria to share knowledge and inspire progress.”
Bringing together leaders from around the world
WIBF 2025 comes shortly after First Nations Victorians promoted their strengths and talents at the World Expo 2025 in Japan in August.
The State Government supported First Nations people to attend the Expo which showcases Indigenous cultures and contributions to international relationships. Ten representatives from six Aboriginal businesses and Traditional Owner Corporations took part.
Helping Aboriginal businesses to start, grow and compete locally and globally is aligned to the Yuma Yirramboi (Invest in Tomorrow) Strategy and key for achieving economic parity for Aboriginal Victorians within a generation.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman said the Forum brought together First Nations businesses and leaders from around the world to network, collaborate and advance Indigenous economic growth.
“Together, we’re building stronger trade links, more investment, and more jobs – with First Nations communities,” she said.
