Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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Indigenous businesses from across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions will come together with local procurement representatives when the First Nations Business Expo returns to Mackay for its fifth year. Photo supplied
Over recent years, the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Indigenous Business Working Group has delivered a series of First Nations business events that have become a key part of Indigenous Business Month celebrations. Next up is the 2026 First Nations Business Expo, set to take place on October 22nd.
From the original Meet the Buyer Supplier Event to the 2025 expo, the events so far have provided a platform for First Nations businesses to showcase their capabilities, build networks and connect with procurement and growth opportunities.
What began as a regional networking event has evolved into an annual gathering connecting Indigenous entrepreneurs with government agencies, major industry buyers, procurement specialists, business support organisations and community stakeholders.
Each year, the event has attracted around 115 registrations and featured Indigenous suppliers from a broad range of industries, including construction, engineering, professional services, recruitment, catering, manufacturing, civil works, arts, retail and community services.
The focus has been on increasing the visibility of First Nations businesses, strengthening buyer-supplier relationships and creating pathways into procurement opportunities.
The results have included 11 opportunities for further supply of products and services, nine prospective contract or subcontract opportunities, seven potential prequalification opportunities and four invitations to apply for tenders.
More than 70 per cent of participating businesses reported making between four and 10 new business connections, while 94 per cent said they would recommend the event to other Indigenous businesses.
The 2025 expo attracted expressions of interest from more than 40 businesses, with 32 First Nations businesses ultimately exhibiting across sectors including mining, tourism, construction, health, education, banking and technology.
A dedicated procurement panel gave exhibitors the opportunity to hear directly from procurement professionals about upcoming opportunities, supplier requirements and pathways into government and corporate supply chains.
Feedback from the 2025 event was overwhelmingly positive, with all responding businesses saying they would recommend the expo and participate again. Ninety-five per cent of attendees said they were very likely to use Indigenous businesses they met at the event, while all respondents said they would recommend those businesses to others.
As the expo continues to grow, it remains a platform for celebrating First Nations business capability while supporting meaningful economic participation and sustainable growth across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
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