Sydney — First Nations businesses are being hailed as the “sleeping giant” of the Australian economy, with new figures showing they generate billions in social and economic value, according to an ANZ commissioned Deloitte Access Economics report

Supply Nation’s Connect 2025 conference, which opened at ICC Sydney on Wednesday, drew more than 4000 corporate and government buyers, community leaders and international delegates.

Over two days, more than 270 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned enterprises showcased their services in what has become the premier marketplace for First Nations commerce.

IPS stepped forward as one of the sector’s leading voices at the nation’s biggest Indigenous business event.

Being just one of just eight Indigenous-owned firms on the Commonwealth’s coveted Management Advisory Services Panel, the majority Aboriginal-owned company used the platform to highlight its national foothold and track record in procurement, leadership and advisory work.

IPS co-founder Katina Law said Connect 2025 was an important stage for IPS as it cements its national footprint.

“This is not just about being seen — it’s about being part of a movement that’s reshaping the Australian economy,” said the Worrorra Walmajarri woman.

“At this stage of our growth, Connect 2025 gives us the opportunity to deepen partnerships, meet decision-makers face-to-face, and demonstrate how IPS can deliver value at scale across industries and regions.”

Asked about IPS’s role in the wider Indigenous business movement, she said the company was focused on leading by example.

“We see ourselves as both a service provider and an advocate.”

“Our responsibility is not only to deliver outstanding results for clients but to open doors for other First Nations businesses through collaboration and visibility.”
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“When we succeed, we create a platform that shows corporate and government Australia the depth of talent in this sector,” said Katina.
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​Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy echoed that sentiment, telling delegates the Albanese Government was “deeply committed” to backing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, describing the Indigenous Procurement Policy as a “game-changer”.

“This is about unlocking opportunity and building prosperity,” Senator McCarthy said.

“We must ensure businesses benefiting are genuinely Indigenous owned and controlled — because integrity matters, and every contract should build real capability and long-term success.”

Research unveiled at the conference underscored that message.

Supply Nation’s report, The Sleeping Giant Rises, found Indigenous-owned businesses create $42.6 billion in social value each year — with measurable benefits in employment, cultural pride and future aspirations for young people.
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For every $1 generated, $3.66 flows back into the wider economy.

​Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said those outcomes proved the Indigenous business sector was not a niche but “a powerhouse of innovation and sustainability”.

“This is prosperity over dependence, inclusion over exclusion,” Ms Russell said.

“The impact is profound — and it benefits all Australians.”

For IPS, the event was more than showcasing capability. The Perth-headquartered consultancy stressed the importance of partnerships that endure beyond compliance, working together with government, corporates and communities to deliver practical outcomes.

“This year’s Connect 2025 theme is Beyond the Horizon,” said IPS Executive Director and Noongar man, Cameron Wood.

“That’s what we’re focused on — building an economy where First Nations voices lead, and where our success contributes to Australia’s success.”

First Nations enterprises currently contribute $16 billion annually and employ more than 116,000 people.

Whilst noting that this is a fantastic achievement, Cameron said the challenge now is to scale up and continue the journey.
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An ANZ commissioned Deloitte Access Economics report estimated the sector is poised to grow to $50 billion a year by 2035.

IPS Program team took a deep dive into the art of leadership recently as they participated in an engaging and thought-provoking workshop facilitated by co-founder Damien Chalk on Monday.

Held as part of IPS’s ongoing commitment to cultivating confident and capable leaders across its program team, the session explored key themes such as self-awareness, growth mindset, team accountability and emotional intelligence.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Damien guided participants through interactive exercises that challenged their thinking and encouraged them to reframe leadership not as a title—but as a mindset.

“You are a leader regardless of your role,” Damien told the group.

“Leadership is about how you choose to show up for yourself, for others, and for your purpose.”

The workshop opened with a powerful discussion on personal purpose, prompting attendees to reflect on what drives them.

“Your why matters. When you’re clear on that, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with your values,” Damien said.
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Participants were then asked to share experiences where they had to lead without authority—navigating conflict, stepping into uncertainty, or supporting others through challenges. 
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Executive Lead of Client Engagement, Lauren Hoskins reflected, “If we keep operating in silos, we are going to continue with the same output separately.”

“The power of connecting creates a bigger impact.” Lauren said.

Damien also tackled the importance of psychological safety in teams, highlighting that high-performing workplaces are those where people feel safe to be themselves.

“The number one predictor of team success isn’t IQ or experience—it’s trust,” he said.

“If people don’t feel safe to speak up, take risks, or admit mistakes, innovation dies.”

Throughout the session, Damien wove in practical tools for building trust and setting a leadership culture.

He encouraged participants to move from reactive to proactive mindsets by asking reflective questions like: What’s my role in this? What assumptions am I making? What outcome do I want to create?

The workshop closed with a challenge to every participant: to identify one behaviour they could shift immediately to become a more intentional leader.

“Leadership is a daily choice,” Damien reminded the group.

“The people around you don’t need perfection. They need consistency, courage, and someone who’s willing to grow.”

The workshop sparked intellectual debate, self-reflection and laughter—hallmarks of a psychologically safe and forward-thinking team.

As IPS continues to expand its national footprint, investing in leadership from the inside out ensures the organisation is future-ready, from the frontline to the boardroom.