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Connect 24 off to a great start in Meanjin (Brisbane)

February 18, 2025

By PETER ROWE

Connect 2024, Australia’s largest event for Indigenous businesses kicked off in Meanjin (Brisbane) on Wednesday.

The Supply Nation coordinated event has been running for 14 years and brings together First Nations thought leaders and business representatives from all over Australia and overseas.

This year, over 210 businesses were represented and over 4000 participants were expected to attend various events over the two days.

The national event connects verified Indigenous businesses with corporate, government, and other organisations looking to procure products and services, as well as develop commercial collaboration opportunities.

The Knowledge Forum aimed to present and discuss issues and challenges facing the Indigenous business sector but also showcase success and highlight future opportunities.

Supply Nation’s Chief Executive Officer, Kate Russell, said this year’s event had been the largest undertaking to date with Brisbane being chosen as the location given the economic growth opportunities and the planning for the upcoming Olympics in 2023.

“We are incredibly pleased and humbled by the support we have received from our wonderful businesses, our members, through to our partner organisations and sponsors,” she said.

“They have really backed us, and this year’s event is shaping up as one that will result in some pretty significant outcomes.

“Our strong connections to First Nation’s businesses and organisations in other countries is also growing and this year our international delegates are travelling from the United States, Canada and New Zealand to be with us.

“They are looking to learn about the Australian context of supplier diversity and explore partnership opportunities with local Indigenous businesses.

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