What's coming up?
World Indigenous Business Forum 2025
The World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF), is a premier international gathering dedicated to advancing Indigenous economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. The 16th annual forum will convene over hundreds of delegates from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities worldwide with the aim to provide a dynamic platform for leaders across business, government, academia, and industry to share insights, foster collaborations, and develop strategies that drive economic growth and self-determination for Indigenous communities globally.
The primary objective of WIBF 2025 is to facilitate meaningful dialogue and partnerships that enhance Indigenous participation in the global economy. By bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and advocates, the forum seeks to showcase Indigenous business excellence, promote sustainable development, and create opportunities for trade and investment. Through workshops, keynote addresses, and networking sessions, participants will engage in discussions that address challenges and explore innovative solutions, ultimately contributing to the economic resilience and prosperity of Indigenous peoples worldwide.
WIBF welcoming reception will be held on the evening of Tuesday 28th October at a venue to be announced in Melbourne. WIBF is being held across 2 days, Wednesday 29th to Thursday 30th October at Hyatt Plaza, 1 English Steet, Essendon Fields.
Kinaway Chamber of Commerce is the strategic partner for WIBF 2025 providing expertise and local knowledge to the WIBF organisers. As Victoria's peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, Kinaway's role in WIBF 2025 encompasses assisting in the forum's program, identifying key themes and speakers for the forum, facilitating networking opportunities, and fostering collaborations among leaders across business, government, academia, and industry.
Registration fees for WIBF
- Early Bird Registration: $849 (CAD) Ending August 31st, 2025
- Regular Registration: $949 (CAD) Starting September 1st, 2025
Applications for the 2025 First Nations Exporter Award closing soon.
Applications for the 2025 Australian Export Awards, including the inaugural First Nations Export category, close 13 June 2025.
The 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.
The Australian Export Awards is one of Australia's most prestigious and longest running export awards programs. The awards can help you unlock new business opportunities, build connections, grow your export business, and receive global recognition. Watch the latest First Nations Application workshop video to discover the benefits of applying and how Austrade can help you on your exporting journey.
Upcoming Grant and Program Opportunities
National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 2025-26 Grant Round
The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations is pleased to announce the 2025-26 grants round is now open for applications.
The Foundation's grant program objectives are to strengthen risk-informed engagement with China in Australia's national interest and to reinforce social cohesion by engaging our Chinese-Australian communities, showcasing their contribution and strengthening their voice and agency.
Previous projects supported by the National Foundation include Our Story: Aboriginal–Chinese People in Australia and Queensland University of Technology's project showcasing the knowledge and culture of Australia's First Nations peoples through an Australian Indigenous artists' residency program in Taiwan.
The Foundation welcomes applications that align with its objectives and deliver on its intended outcomes. Information on how to apply, the grant guidelines, information sessions, and access to the application form can be found through foundations website.
Applications close on Monday midday 30 June 2025.
Modernising Australia's Southeast Asian free trade agreements for the future
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is conducting a comprehensive review of Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs) in Southeast Asia to identify opportunities to upgrade and ensure they continue to deliver for Australian businesses and investors. The review will identify recommendations to help inform the Australian Government's future FTA upgrade priorities.
We are inviting public submissions to inform the review and views from a wide range of stakeholders, including trade and investment exposed industries and representative organisations, state and territory governments, private sector, civil society, NGOs and the Australian community are welcomed. We are particularly interested in views on how to better engage First Nations traders in our future FTAs.
Submissions can be made until 31 December 2025. Information about the terms of reference for the review and making submissions can be found at Southeast Asian Free Trade Agreements upgrade and modernisation agenda.