New partnership with BHP to support Indigenous business
Australia's largest company BHP is investing $20 million to support Indigenous business education and research at Melbourne Business School.
BHP has committed $20 million over two years to a new partnership with the Melbourne Business School (MBS), aimed at supporting Indigenous initiatives, including the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership. This centre, co-designed with Indigenous leaders, has been advancing economic empowerment in Indigenous communities through education, research, and engagement since its establishment in 2021.
The new investment will allow the centre to expand its work and continue to foster Indigenous business growth, which is critical to the Australian economy. Indigenous businesses contribute over $16 billion annually and employ more than 116,000 people, with the sector growing at an impressive 7.9% per year.
Associate Professor Michelle Evans, Director of Dilin Duwa, highlighted the centre's impact, with over 150 Indigenous business graduates and the creation of the Indigenous Economic Power Project, which addresses policy gaps and raises the visibility of Indigenous businesses.
BHP’s Chief Legal, Governance, and External Affairs Officer, Caroline Cox, emphasised the importance of investing in Indigenous business leadership as part of BHP's broader commitment to reconciliation and economic empowerment. Through this partnership, both BHP and MBS aim to drive a strong Indigenous business sector that will not only benefit Indigenous communities but also contribute to Australia's wider economic success.
For more information about the Indigenous business education and leadership programs, visit the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership.
