Over 40 businesses took part in Western Sydney’s first Indigenous Meet the Buyer Strategic Matching event held at Penrith Panthers on October 29. 

Jointly run by Yarpa NSW Indigenous Business and Employment Hub (Yarpa Hub) and Western Sydney Business Connection (WSBC), the event connected local Indigenous businesses with WSBC Members and major project proponents across Western Sydney such as Multiplex, Lendlease, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Campbelltown City Council and Sydney Zoo.

Attending Indigenous businesses took part in a number of 15 minute face to face meetings with matched buyers, giving them an opportunity to pitch their services or products.

WSBC General Manager, Amanda Brisot, said "There will be billions of dollars invested in infrastructure and major projects in Western Sydney over the next 10-20 years and we need programs in place to ensure that local Indigenous businesses get a piece of that pie. We are also finding that many of our members are looking at ways to better engage with local Indigenous Businesses. We see this event as a very practical way to facilitate these outcomes".

“The Meet the Buyer event was a huge success with many of the buyers commenting on the excellent calibre of suppliers that they were matched with. We expect many local Indigenous Businesses to secure ongoing work as a direct result of the event,” Amanda said.

James Christian, CEO of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council highlighted the importance of events like this.

“These events are crucial for small business owners because it gives them the support and opportunity to link up with organisations that they may not otherwise have a chance to connect with.”

“We hope by providing a platform like this, Indigenous businesses in NSW will be able to grow and become a major part of the state’s economy,” James said.