Indigenous businesses deliver $42.6B in social value says report

Indigenous-owned businesses across Australia are generating $42.6 billion in social value every year. That’s the headline finding from Sleeping Giant Rises, a new research report from Supply Nation.

The research shows that when Indigenous businesses thrive, communities thrive, and it’s time we all recognised just how big an impact that makes.

What do we mean by ‘social value’?

We’re not talking about donations or volunteering here. Social value, through an Indigenous lens, refers to the good stuff that happens when people feel more in control of their lives, more financially secure, proud of their Culture, healthier in body and mind, and more connected to their mob, Country and community.

And this isn’t wishful thinking. It’s backed by real numbers.

The report found that Indigenous business owners, their households and Indigenous employees are all feeling the benefits. Around 95 per cent of Indigenous business owners said running their own business made them feel prouder of who they are. A huge 89 per cent said they’re more able to express their Culture, and 86 per cent noticed young people in their families are more proud of their Culture too. That’s some serious impact.

“It is important to demonstrate that even without social or community elements, these businesses are creating economic and social value purely by being in business and that’s a great thing,” said Supply Nation CEO and proud Awabakal woman Kate Russell.

The business ripple effect

Supply Nation is quick to stress that this isn’t a niche movement. The numbers show that around 16 per cent of the Indigenous population is directly connected to the Indigenous business sector. That includes 29,200 Indigenous business owners, more than 61,300 people living in their households, and over 65,700 Indigenous employees working within those businesses.

So when we talk about Indigenous business, we’re not just talking about profits, we’re talking about self-determination, generational pride, and real social change.

“The Sleeping Giant Rises report clearly shows the significant impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses are having,” said Russell.
“These entrepreneurs are creating social and economic value that is changing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia.”

Time to ditch the deficit mindset

The conversations about Indigenous communities often get stuck in what’s not working. This report flips that script. Instead of deficit thinking, it offers a refreshing and uplifting story about strength, resilience and enterprise.

Russell says Indigenous businesses already give back, formally or informally, but we shouldn’t assume they have to be philanthropic to be valuable.

“We know that Indigenous businesses often give back, through formal or informal processes but there should not be the expectation or assumption that Indigenous businesses are all philanthropic,” she said.

“I am immensely proud of this research and what Supply Nation verified businesses and member organisations are achieving together. This NAIDOC Week, we need to focus on strength, vision and legacy, and this report allows us to celebrate the strength of Indigenous businesses, the vision they hold and the legacy they are leaving for future generations.”

What can the rest of us do?

If you’re a business owner, one of the easiest and most impactful things you can do is to buy from Indigenous-owned businesses. Supply Nation is urging non-Indigenous organisations to walk the talk

“Non-Indigenous organisations can be proactive in sourcing from Indigenous-owned businesses and ensure procurement teams understand the social value being created,” said Russell.

She also made it clear that Indigenous voices need to be front and centre when governments and organisations are designing policies and programs that affect their businesses.

Where to from here?

You can download the full Sleeping Giant Rises report here. And if you want to meet some of the powerhouse businesses behind these stats, Connect 2025—Supply Nation’s major event, is happening on 20–21 August at ICC Sydney on Gadigal Land. It’s your chance to connect, collaborate and be part of something bigger.

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