Welcome to this month’s edition of the Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN) newsletter! We’ve been hard at work and can’t wait to share the exciting updates with you. Plus, October marks Indigenous Business Month, and we’re celebrating all the amazing Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses making their mark.

Our first round of consultation visits sparked great conversations with local Indigenous businesses across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Rockhampton, Cairns, Thursday Island and Townsville. 

Over 100 Indigenous businesses so far have told us of the types of support, network, information
and communications they would like to see from QIBN.

Our discussions on the definition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business in QLD has ignited lively discussions.  What’s clear is that whatever we land on, our businesses want clear communication and transparency about what the criteria is and the membership verification process.

There have been lots of support for a QIBN Business Support Hub to be established in each of the locations we have visit so far.  It will be hard to know where to start.

Stay tuned for more highlights as we continue to support and uplift our Indigenous business community!

Indigenous Business Month

October is Indigenous Business Month (IBM), and this year’s theme is “Making Our Mark”—a celebration of the innovation, strength, and resilience of Indigenous businesses across the country. You can download their resources and register your events by going to – https://www.indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au

At QIBN, we’re proud to support this important initiative and highlight the incredible businesses we’ve been working with recently. 

Over the course of IBM, we’ll be showcasing some of these deadly businesses, sharing their stories, and celebrating their contributions to the community and the economy. You can check them out so far by going to our Linkedin page – https://www.linkedin.com/company/queensland-indigenous-business-network

We kicked off Indigenous Business Month by attending the stunning digital illumination of artworks by Birrunga Wiradyuri, a celebrated Wiradyuri man and founder of Birrunga Gallery. The event was co-hosted by Birrunga Gallery and Queens Plaza in Brisbane’s CBD and projected onto the side of the Queens Plaza building. 

A Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony from Aunty Cath.  A wonderful experience with deadly food from Birrunga Catering.

On Tuesday 8 October, QIBN CEO Donisha Duff spoke about “Balancing Culture & Business” at the University of QLD Indigenous Business Month Venture Forward: Indigenous Entrepreneurship. 


QIBN will be attending a few more local events for IBM this month and will share the insights from these events in next months newsletter.   You will see us at:

  • Friday 11 October – RDA Moreton Bay & Sunshine Coast (MDAMBSC)
  • Tuesday 15 October – IBM Conversations with Indigenous Businesses, Cherbourg
  • Wednesday 23 October – QIBN Roundtable Discussions with key stakeholders
  • Thursday 24 October – Mackay Traders Event
  • Friday 25 October – Rockhampton City Council & QIBN hosted event Indigenous Business Month Dinner
  • Wednesday 30 October – QIBN & Murawin hosted event “Celebrating Indigenous Business Legacy”

Business Basics Grants QLD - Closing Soon

The Business Basics grant program (Program) provides support to businesses to increase core skills and adopt best practice. This round of Basics is focused on business enhancement.

The program is administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) provides grant funding for small businesses with less than 5 employees (headcount).

Applicants can apply for funding for grant-funded activities under the following priorities:

  • professional business advice
  • strategic marketing services
  • website build/upgrades.

Applications close on Friday 11 October.

Find out more here – https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/business-basics-grant

First Nations Fashion & Textiles Accelerator Fund

Arts Queensland has announced the new First Nations Fashion and Textiles Accelerator Fund is now open for applications. 

With a focus on supporting Queensland-based First Nations artists and designers working in fashion and textiles to increase production, enter new collaborations and expand into new markets, this fund will support:

  • up to $30,000 for projects that contribute to business growth such as skills development or residency programs, small-scale equipment purchases, or market development activities, or
  • up to $60,000 for projects that demonstrate significant commercial outcomes including investment in larger scale infrastructure and equipment, or investment to grow product lines for wholesale and retail.

The Fund is an action of the Queensland Government’s First Nations Fashion and Textiles Plan 2024-2026 which was launched in July. It delivers on the key priorities of the Creative Together 2020-2030 roadmap by elevating First Nations arts and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists  to strengthen and grow their businesses.

Applications close at 2pm on Monday 18 November and are open to First Nations applicants only.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority

Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) have launched their new campaign for Get Ready Queensland Week, 8-13 October 2024, ‘Weather doesn’t plan, but you can’.

The campaign features Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston, with JT encouraging Queenslanders to think about all the different ways they can plan to protect themselves from the impacts of severe weather.

Since 2011 Queensland has been impacted by 120 significant disaster events, so it’s not a matter of if but when the next disaster will hit Queensland.

Information and resources including a household severe weather emergency plan is available online:  Make your household emergency plan | Get Ready Queensland

My Dilly Bag

For our Sunshine Coast event, we were lucky enough to have My Dilly Bag cater the day! A big thank you to Aunty Dale for providing delicious native-infused biscuits, dips, fresh fruit, and quiche—it was a hit! 

If you’re in the industry or a government agency looking for incredible Indigenous food for your next event, we highly recommend checking out My Dilly Bag.

For the past 23 years, My Dilly Bag has worked sustainably with Aboriginal communities that grow and harvest Australian Sovereign Food and Botanicals. By providing a platform to develop, market and distribute Aboriginal products, My Dilly Bag empowers communities to maintain their traditions, creates new income streams and provides a positive landscape for future generations.

They have a range of nutritious and tasty products ranging from Native herbs and spices to jams, relishes, pasta and snacks, all made with Australian Sovereign Food ingredients. Their products are not only delicious but promote sustainable and ethical practices. 

Visit their website by clicking the link below.

Click Here To Find Out More About My Dilly Bag


Wrap Up…

QIBN Business Insights Monthly newsletters aim to provide you with updated information and opportunities for funding.  We hope you’ve enjoyed this issue and found the information useful.


If there is anything else you want to see in the newsletter, drop us an email at: info@qibn.com.au

Donisha Duff OAM

Chief Executive Officer