First Nations Exporter

Applications open 29 April

More about how to apply.

A new award in 2025

This new national category award is for outstanding international success by a First Nations business.

This includes First Nations businesses operating in any industry, who have been exporting for 3 years or more. (If you have only been exporting for up to 3 years, you must apply for the Emerging Exporter Award). 

What is a First Nations Business?

A First Nations or Indigenous business must be at least 50% indigenous-owned to be eligible in this award category.

This is in line with the Australian Government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy. 

What does indigenous-owned mean?

Any business with 50% or more ownership by individuals who are recognised as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Eligibility 

First Nations or Indigenous businesses applying for the First Nations award category must be able to demonstrate they meet the eligibility threshold. 

In line with the Australian Government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy, evidence may include recognition: 

• with Supply Nation on the ‘Indigenous Business Direct’ public register (as a ‘registered’ or ‘certified’)
• by the Office of the Registrar for Indigenous Corporations (ORIC)
• by the First Nations Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Indigenous Chamber of Commerce within a businesses' home state or territory, or Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.
• by Indigenous Business Australia, or an Indigenous Business and Employment Hub, under the National Indigeous Australians Agency (NIAA).

More information

• Eligibility criteria
• National categories