About Aboriginal Retail Australia

Connecting. Supporting. Leading Change

Who we are

Aboriginal Retail Australia is a national not-for-profit, industry association, governed by an Indigenous-led volunteer board. Our mission is to empower, connect, and champion Aboriginal retailers and entrepreneurs, helping them grow, scale, and thrive.

Aboriginal artist painting

At a glance

Here's a brief summary of what we do and why we do it.

  • National Aboriginal-led not-for-profit
  • Open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander retailers and businesses
  • Focused on practical support, advocacy and market access
  • Building a more inclusive, connected industry for all
What we do

How we help our members

Capability building

Tools, programs, and networks that help Aboriginal retailers and entrepreneurs thrive.

Pathways to market

Connecting members to new customers, retail networks, and growth opportunities.

Visibility & advocacy

Raising the profile of Aboriginal businesses and representing their interests in industry and policy.

Collaboration

Building partnerships with the retail sector, government, and community to drive meaningful change.

Why we exist

We're here to support Aboriginal retailers to overcome real barriers and build lasting success.

Aboriginal retailers face persistent barriers—rising costs, limited access to markets, and policies that rarely deliver real opportunity. Key barriers are:

  • Inflation and supply chain issues threaten small business survival
  • Difficulty accessing mainstream markets and customers
  • Procurement policies often over-promise and under-deliver

To overcome these hurdles, Aboriginal retailers need to be fully integrated into the wider retail sector. We bridge these gaps through advocacy, collaboration, and tailored support, ensuring Aboriginal retailers are included, visible, and set up for long-term success.

Aboriginal woman having coffee

Our approach

A practical, culturally grounded approach to industry change.

We deliver practical support and advocacy, grounded in Aboriginal culture and knowledge, to help members overcome challenges, access new opportunities, and build sustainable businesses.

  • Industry-led advocacy
    Elevating Aboriginal business interests at every level
  • Tailored programs
    Designed specifically for First Nations entrepreneurs
  • Respect for culture
    Everything we do is grounded in cultural integrity
Our priorities in 2025

This year, we’re focused on building a stronger, more visible, and more connected Aboriginal retail community.

In 2025, we are shaping our governance for lasting impact, growing our membership, and forging powerful partnerships.
A major priority is launching our new website and member directory to increase visibility and provide a central hub for online opportunities and webinars.

As we grow, we balance tailored support for individual members with collective initiatives for the sector.
Collaboration is key, we’re working together to ensure Aboriginal retailers have the recognition and support to thrive, grow, and leave a lasting legacy in Australian retail.

Looking to source authentic First Nations products?

Business Directory coming soon.

Want to grow your First Nations-owned business?

Find out about our Retail Membership.