Enterprise development

The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP) provides a range of services to help strengthen and grow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Queensland.

We can help by:

• linking you to business support programs and services
• inviting you to business workshops tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
• increasing the awareness of Queensland Government procurement opportunities
• promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to government agencies and private buyers
• introducing government and private sector businesses to buying from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
• helping government agencies and non-Indigenous businesses understand cultural protocols.

DATSIP's focus is aligned with the Queensland Government's decision to use its annual spend on procuring goods, services and capital works to bring about growth and development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

Black Business Finder

An effective way to get your business noticed by buyers is to register on the Black Business Finder (BBF). The BBF is Queensland’s online business directory for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. It provides opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate in the supply chains for major projects listed with the ICN Gateway – a nationally recognised connection point for buyers and suppliers. It also provides a platform for government and private sector businesses looking to source goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers.

Find out more about BBF.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business workshops

DATSIP, in partnership with the Department of State Development or peak industry bodies, runs workshops across Queensland for owners and operators of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. The content and location of workshops is identified from engagement with the Indigenous Business Sector to ensure workshops meet the needs of operating businesses.

The workshops are designed to build the skills and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners and operators in a relaxed and positive environment. For example, workshops have helped businesses to navigate the QTender processes, prepare and promote their Capability Statements, and to assess their business models to ensure sustainability and growth.

There are also opportunities to meet and network with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business people.

DATSIP will use its extensive regional networks to communicate workshop dates and locations as soon as they are confirmed throughout the year. To find out about upcoming workshops, email enterprise@datsip.qld.gov.au.

Engaging with industry for future opportunities

DATSIP partners with industry to secure future employment and training outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to grow and develop Indigenous businesses in Queensland.

Partnership with Queensland Rugby Union

The Queensland Government is proud to be in partnership with the Queensland Rugby Union, supporting the objectives of its Indigenous program to provide ‘support and encourage young Indigenous Queenslanders to stay in school, seek employment and further training and as a result become a leader within their community’. This unique program targets young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders from regional and remote communities and offers support, mentoring and on-going development programs during their schooling years.

The Queensland Reds Indigenous Program starts in Year Six and continues until Year Thirteen (post-secondary), supporting these young people in their journey to become future leaders. The Memorandum of Understanding with Queensland Government is an Australian first, and a win-win for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.  For more information, view the QRU video announcement.

Partnership with Queensland Resources Council

DATSIP has a productive and long-standing working partnership with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) to promote:

• employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders
• procurement opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business within resources industry supply chains.

Through the partnership with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, key sectors of the tourism industry aim to create 1000 new jobs by 2020 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as increase opportunities for Indigenous businesses to link into tourism industry supply chains.

Other opportunities

DATSIP is currently investigating additional opportunities in the construction, retail, health and community services and agriculture industries. If your business is in these industries, and you're interested in partnering with DATSIP, email enterprise@datsip.qld.gov.au.