Unlocking the Power of the First Nations Economy
Why Indigenous Procurement Matters — and Why WePlenty Exists
The First Nations Economy: A Sleeping Giant
The Australian First Nations economy is rich in culture, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit — yet remains one of the most underutilised economic forces in the country. With over 12,000 Indigenous-owned businesses and growing, there is no shortage of capability or ambition. What’s missing is opportunity.
The Power of Indigenous Procurement
Indigenous Procurement Policies (IPPs) were designed to correct historical inequalities by giving First Nations businesses a fairer share of corporate and government contracts. When implemented properly, they don’t just change who gets a contract — they change lives, families, and entire communities.
- Every $1 spent with an Indigenous business creates $4.41 in economic and social return.
- Yet many contracts still fall through the cracks due to poor implementation, low awareness, and a lack of access to suitable Indigenous suppliers.
The Problem: A Broken System
Too often, procurement processes are difficult for small and regional Indigenous businesses to access. Buyers struggle to find First Nations suppliers. And First Nations businesses struggle to scale without access to consistent, high-value opportunities.
This gap is not about capability — it’s about connectivity.
The Solution: WePlenty — Built to Bridge the Gap
WePlenty is a First Nations-led B2B marketplace designed to connect Indigenous suppliers directly to government and corporate buyers, making procurement easier, more transparent, and more impactful.
WePlenty is:
- A cultural and commercial platform — rooted in community, powered by technology
- Built for scale — showcasing goods and services across multiple industries
- Focused on economic sovereignty — putting procurement dollars back into mob-owned businesses
The Impact If We Get This Right
If Indigenous Procurement Policies are properly implemented and scaled, the result is a stronger First Nations economy — with intergenerational impact:
- More jobs in remote and regional communities
- More young people seeing business ownership as a real path
- More community wealth built by mob, for mob
This is why WePlenty exists.
To ensure First Nations businesses are not just included — but prioritised, celebrated, and empowered in the Australian economy.
Let’s close the gap — not with words, but with contracts.
Let me know if you’d like this styled for a pitch deck, brochure, or website. I can also create an infographic version highlighting the impact numbers.
