Supporting Indigenous recognition at the 2022 Ethnic Business Awards

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government is providing $27,500 to the Ethnic Business Awards (EBA) Foundation to support the Indigenous Business Award category presented at the foundation’s gala dinner tonight.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said he’s committed to supporting the recognition of Indigenous businesses and the enormous contribution they make to the nation.

“The Ethnic Business Awards is an important occasion acknowledging the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs who have embarked on the challenging venture of business,” Minister Wyatt said.

“We want to ensure these messages of success reach near and far, beyond the Awards night itself, and that’s why we’re providing funding that contributes to production costs for a three-minute documentary following the personal story of each Indigenous business shortlisted this year.

“You can’t be what you can’t see. This funding will help share these success stories to a bigger audience via SBS, NITV and Aurora TV.

“Showcasing these businesses on a national stage has many positive ripple effects including promoting positive role models for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs and enhancing a broader understanding of a thriving Indigenous business sector for mainstream audiences.

“It is time for everyone to take pride in the achievements of Indigenous-led businesses while being aware of the unique obstacles they overcome on their journeys to success.”

Mr Joseph Assaf AO, Lebanese-born Australian businessman and founder of the EBA Foundation, said since 2010, the Foundation has been committed to championing the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and businesses.

“We want to share the stories of successful Indigenous businesses with the nation and beyond and that’s why we created the Indigenous Business Award category,” said Mr. Assaf.

“Each year, we love seeing more Indigenous-owned businesses step forward to take to the stage, just as we’ve seen the migrant community do since the start of the awards in 1988.

“Sharing these stories helps to promote the benefit cultural diversity brings to this country we all call home, while encouraging more and more nominees to come forward each year.”

When the Awards presentation was last held in 2019, the Indigenous Business Category received more than 250 nominations.

For more information on the Ethnic Business Awards, visit Ethnic Business Awards

Watch the event live on Facebook.