More Than an Expo: The Story Behind Indigenous Business Month

October's Indigenous Business Month (IBM) is a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and economic self-determination. Held annually from 1–31 October, Indigenous Business Month highlights the important role Indigenous businesses play in creating jobs, strengthening communities, preserving culture and driving economic development. Established in 2015 by First Nations business leaders Dr Michelle Evans, Leesa Watego and Mayrah Sonter, the initiative was created to celebrate Indigenous business excellence and demonstrate the power of business as a pathway to economic empowerment and self-determination.

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Over the past 12 years, Indigenous Business Month has grown into a nationwide movement. What began as a way to raise the profile of Indigenous businesses has evolved into a platform for building relationships, sharing knowledge, inspiring innovation and strengthening connections between businesses, communities, government and industry. At its heart is a simple idea: stronger outcomes are achieved when people work together and stay connected.  

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Bringing the vision to Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday

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“An amazing showcase of the regions Indigenous capabilities”. Attendee feedback

The Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday First Nations Business Expo is a local example of this vision in action.

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Today's Expo grew from regular conversations between a small group of local organisations, government representatives and Indigenous business owners who wanted to strengthen connections across the region. Meeting monthly online, they shared information, discussed opportunities, built relationships and worked together to create a stronger and more connected Indigenous business network.

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Over time, those conversations developed into a broader network focused on creating practical opportunities for First Nations businesses. Representatives from organisations including QATSIP, Mackay Regional Council, Indigenous business owners and supporting agencies came together with a shared goal: to help Indigenous businesses connect with buyers, procurement opportunities, industry partners, broader community, and each other.

Today, that collaboration continues through the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Indigenous Business Working Group and its fifth annual First Nations Business Expo. It  is so much than a one-day event. The Expo is a genuine reflection of ongoing relationships, shared learnings and collective efforts. It provides a platform to showcase Indigenous business brilliance, encourage more collaborations and create opportunities that mutually benefit businesses and communities across the regions.

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Why it matters

“Great to chat with businesses in the community making change and succeeding”. Attendee feedback

Indigenous businesses demonstrate cultural leadership, strengthen relationships, practise reciprocity and contribute to thriving local economies through employment and enterprise.

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Indigenous Business Month celebrates these contributions while encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to see business as a pathway to leadership, and self-determination.  

As the region prepares for the 2026 Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday First Nations Business Expo, the message is simple: local connections create lasting impact. The Expo may take place over a single day, but it represents years of relationship-building, collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening Indigenous business across the regions.

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What: First Nations Business Expo 2026

Date: Thursday 22nd October

Time: 8:15am-2.00pm

Where: MECC, North Foyer

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