Deadly businesses on show for Indigenous Business Month

Queensland’s deadly businesses are showcasing their products and services this week, as part of Indigenous Business Month.

In Cairns to launch the Deadly Business 2032 project, Employment and Small Business Minister Di Farmer said businesses are coming together and exploring opportunities for growth in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We want First Nations business owners to grow in capability and capacity, and events and projects statewide including Deadly Business 2032 are helping businesses do just that,’’ Minister Farmer said.

“Deadly Business 2032 is a key project for the Far North region that will facilitate new partnerships, prepare businesses and generate business growth in the lead up to the Games.”

She said the project is part of the $8.3 million First Nations Training Strategy – Paving the Way launched last month to develop Queensland’s First Nations workforce and improve job outcomes through training and support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said Indigenous Business Month events strengthen connections for First Nations owned businesses across the state.

Mr Crawford said the South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (SEQICC) inaugural Queensland Indigenous Business Expo & Forum 2022 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 21 October.

“We will continue to encourage and back First Nations owned small businesses to grow and succeed, because growth is good news for job seekers, communities and the economy,” he said.

Loganholme medical equipment manufacturer, Physiotherapy Innovations, is a First Nations owned business success story.

Under the Business Basics Grants Program in 2021, Physiotherapy Innovations received $5000 to develop video content for their website to promote their Therabubble device.

The business developed the Therabubble as a revolutionary respiratory treatment to clear the lungs for in home and hospital care.

Managing Director Kathryn Potter said the video helped them to gain customers, build sales revenue and reach new international markets.

The project resulted in increased sales and growth in employee headcount, with the small business now employing nine staff in total.

“We are proud to say that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 55 percent of our deadly team," Ms Potter said.

The business also received $10,000 under the 2020 Small Business Adaption Grants program to engage two companies, including another First Nations owned business, to develop a marketing campaign.

Ms Potter also won two awards at the recent Buy Queensland Supplier Awards – Putting Queensland First and the Minister’s Buy Queensland Award.

Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said it was terrific to acknowledge innovative businesses like Physiotherapy Innovations who identify a need and step up and make products onshore.

“Not only are they creating jobs for  a First Nations workforce  but they’re actively working in our community to improve lives through both their products and their support for local supply chains,” Minister de Brenni.

“Businesses like this are delivering real change, and through Indigenous Business Month and beyond, I look forward to government agencies continuing to increase partnerships with indigenous business.”

ENDS

Media contact: Peter Michael 0477948091