About NSWICC
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
New South Wales was the birthplace of the first Indigenous Chamber of Commerce in Australia. Established in 2006, our purpose is to support Indigenous people to establish and operate their own businesses, providing a forum for owners to network, share knowledge and learn from one another. Over the years, the NSWICC has built a respected brand as the peak body and voice for NSW Indigenous business.
Our focus on nurturing, enabling, accelerating and mentoring Indigenous entrepreneurs and leadership in Indigenous Communities is key to our success in building sustainable businesses and community organisations. Our advocacy work at all levels of Government has resulted in a national agenda that acknowledges economic participation as key to addressing generational disadvantage for Indigenous people.
In NSW, many stakeholders are working to create opportunities for Indigenous people to contribute to the state's economy. Buying policies aim to increase government and private sector spend with verified Indigenous suppliers, creating training, employment and contract opportunities. While these efforts offer a pathway to improve the lives of Indigenous people and communities both economically and socially, systemic barriers must be addressed to maximise our collective impact. Some of these barriers are environmental, but many stem from real or perceived capacity issues on both sides of the supply chain.
“Buying Policies alone do not address social and economic disparity. Government, Industry, Private Business, the Not For Profit Sector and Aboriginal Leadership can all have a measurable impact individually, however, the individual impact of one cannot compare to the potential impact of all these groups working together.”
Deb Barwick, CEO NSWICC
The NSWICC is a non-Government, not-for-profit organisation whose biggest asset is our expertise and partner value proposition. We have leveraged our unique position and expertise to create a self-sustaining chamber model that ignites the entrepreneurial spirit of Indigenous people, accelerates Indigenous business and employment growth and, facilitates relationships and networks that enable sustained economic and social inclusion in NSW.
“Policy created to impact Aboriginal people in any way must always be informed and guided by Aboriginal people or their representatives.”
Deb Barwick, CEO NSWICC
Vision, Mission and History
NSWICC is dedicated to creating a self-sustaining chamber model that supports Aboriginal entrepreneurs by building skills, removing barriers and identifying opportunities. Through strategic alliances and partnerships, we work collaboratively to develop and accelerate business goals.
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