Business

Ben Abbatangelo writes of his experiences dealing with philanthropists, and his decision to walk away from this kind of money. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and businesses have limited options for funding, Ben writes, but we shouldn’t take blood money from companies who bring harm to Country, and by extension, us.

In the hectic lead-up to the festive season, Kristel-Lee Kickett has put together a list of her go-to Blak businesses to support when you're Christmas shopping, or just looking for an excuse to treat yourself.

When I get frustrated or upset over something you think is no big deal, or if you think I am overreacting, remember – this isn’t…

Pablo Escobar said, “everyone has a price, the important thing is to find out what it is”. Ben Wooster and Semele Moore, of newly founded WAM Clothing, asked the question of Aboriginal Flag designer Uncle Harold Thomas. The result was the non-Indigenous duo receiving a worldwide exclusive licence for the Aboriginal Flag on clothing.

There's nothing short about Black Coffee!

The number of Indigenous businesses is growing by about 23% per year – which is almost four times higher growth than businesses owned by non-Indigenous Australians.

The targeting of Indigenous people is particularly concerning as they are telephoning Indigenous people and pretending to be government departments alleging debt and that a warrant is out for the individual’s arrest and that, if a certain action such as paying money into a particular bank account is not done, then the individual would be cut off from benefits and/or arrested.” Given that there is a considerable number of Indigenous people vulnerable to this heinous scam, it is critical that we raise awareness in communities on how to spot and avoid scammers.

“Isn’t Trading just gambling, isn’t that risky?’’ is generally the comment I receive when I tell people I trade stocks and the financial markets. Over the last 10 years, my twin brother Kelvin Dingo and I have been on a journey as Investors and Traders of the Australian Stock Market.

Indigenous business is at the forefront of change and innovation in Australia. Indigenous vision and entrepreneurship give our people the power to enrich our culture for ourselves and share it with the world.

“The 10 year legal battle preceding the Mabo decision demonstrated resilience by the plaintiffs and the importance of not accepting injustices, even where those injustices are enforced by law.”

‘Ultimately, buying from Indigenous business isn’t just the commonwealth’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s business.’

Working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs for more than 27 years through various government functions and more recently economic development at Indigenous Business Australia, I have had the privilege of working with many of our mob around programs and initiatives that attempt to address the disadvantage, over-representation and inequality our people face.