Aboriginal suppliers
About this guide
Learn how Aboriginal businesses can access government opportunities and support.
If you are an Aboriginal business, there are initiatives in place to make it easier for you to sell to the South Australian Government.
The South Australian Government is committed to increasing opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to participate in government procurement and state-funded projects.
This includes supporting the growth, capability and long-term sustainability of Aboriginal businesses in South Australia, while creating greater economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities.
Eligible Aboriginal businesses or ACCOs may also be considered for direct sourcing opportunities for goods and services valued up to and including $550,000, subject to value-for-money requirements.
Eligibility
To be recognised as an eligible Aboriginal business, a business must:
- be 50% or more Aboriginal owned and operating in South Australia
- be identified as an Aboriginal business by the Office of the Industry Advocate, or registered by Supply Nation, an Aboriginal Regional Authority, or Aboriginal Landholding Authority
- demonstrate that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (owners and/or employees) are involved in the daily operation of the business and have effective control at least equal to the degree of ownership
- provide economic benefit to South Australian Aboriginal people through ongoing employment in the state.
Aboriginal businesses can participate in government procurement through direct contracting opportunities, subcontracting and supply chain opportunities, industry engagement activities and business support programs. The information below outlines how to find opportunities, connect with government buyers and access available support.
Finding procurement opportunities
- Register for upcoming opportunities on Supplier Hub SA
- Search SA Tenders and Contracts for current opportunities
- Regional businesses, register with local councils and Regional Development Australia offices
- Register on the Office of the Industry Advocate’s mailing list to receive notifications on upcoming events and industry briefings
- Register with Industry Capability Network SA.
How to promote your Aboriginal business to government buyers
- Attend Meet the Buyer, Supply to Government and Ready to Tender events run by the Office of the Industry Advocate
- Exhibit at The Circle First Nation Business Showcase and TACTIC Annual Conference and Trade Expo
- Ensure you are listed on the SA Aboriginal Tender Ready business list managed by the Office of the Industry Advocate.
Supporting resources
The support ecosystem below highlights some of the organisations, programs and networks available to Aboriginal businesses in South Australia.
The Circle
Provides tailored support, advice and connections for South Australian Aboriginal businesses to help them grow and access opportunities.
TACTIC Annual Conference and Trade Expo
Hosts events and networking opportunities that connect businesses with government and industry, supporting capability building and access to procurement opportunities.
Regional Development Australia
Supports regional businesses and communities by providing advice, connections and programs that help drive local economic growth and development.
Office of the Industry Advocate
Provides advice and support to South Australian businesses looking to tender for government contracts and participate in procurement opportunities.
Supply Nation
Connects verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with buyers across Australia and supports supplier diversity in procurement.
Frequently asked questions
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An Aboriginal business is a business with an ABN or ACN that is 50% or more owned by one or more Aboriginal people. It can demonstrate that Aboriginal people are involved in the daily operation of the business and have have control in line with their ownership.
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Aboriginal businesses can identify themselves when registering their business and when responding to procurement opportunities. Government agencies may also use information from recognised Aboriginal business directories and registers to identify potential suppliers.
In South Australia, the Office of the Industry Advocate maintains a list of Aboriginal businesses that can be used by government buyers and suppliers to identify Aboriginal businesses operating in the market.
Consider ensuring your information is current on relevant business directories and registers, and clearly identify your status when responding to procurement opportunities.
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Aboriginal businesses can participate in government procurement in the same way as any other supplier by registering their business, monitoring opportunities and responding to procurement opportunities that align with their capabilities.
To improve your visibility and access to opportunities:
- ensure your business is registered in the relevant categories within Supplier Hub SA
- keep your business profile and contact information up to date
- monitor the Forward Procurement Plan on Supplier Hub SA and open opportunities
- attend supplier briefings and industry engagement activities where available
- clearly identify your business as an Aboriginal business where requested and provide any supporting information required.
The South Australian Government is committed to increasing opportunities for Aboriginal businesses through its procurement framework. However, suppliers should still demonstrate their capability, capacity and ability to deliver the required goods or services.
Related resources
Explore related resources to learn more about procurement and working with the South Australian Government.
Browse all guides-
Procurement process
An outline of the key steps in the government procurement process, from planning through to contract award.
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Contract management
Manage your government contract, including roles, responsibilities and key requirements.
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Tender documents
Understand how to read tender documents and what’s needed to respond to opportunities.
