“Without a doubt, it’s tough, many families, businesses and communities are struggling. But constantly, I am proud of our sector and the ingenuity of our people, their resilience and commitment.” – Leesa Watego
Indigenous Business Month (IBM) runs from October 1 to October 31. The 2020 edition is unlike any other time as all businesses have been pushed out of the day-to-day norm – with some business owners losing greatly from bush-fires, floods, and then the global pandemic.
IBM organisers say that the recently announced theme for IBM 2020 - Invigorate, Build, Maintain to keep our sector strong - is a practical call to arms.
Through this theme they recognise that businesses across all sectors are met by extraordinary challenges. At the same time, they acknowledge that the entire Indigenous business community has a role to play in keeping the sector strong.
Keeping alive a shared dream of economic self-determination
Leesa Watego, Indigenous Business Month co-founder and owner of Brisbane based agency Iscariot Media, said that businesses across the country were already pivoting, with many looking at new and innovative ways to re-orientate their business model.
IBM will culminate with the presentation, at the end of October, of the 2020 Indigenous Business Awards in 3 categories celebrating outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Businesses, their creativity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Organisers are also calling upon Indigenous business operators to gather online, in their respective communities in COVID-Safe ways, and share their stories to keep alive a shared dream of economic self-determination.
