The Queensland State Government in Australia launched Black Business Finder, a website designed to boost indigenous businesses and give them access to greater growth opportunities.

The website hosts an online database of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses established in Queensland. The database is linked to ICN Gateway, a comprehensive national listing of AU$247 billion (US$260.3 billion) worth of major projects, giving indigenous businesses the chance to get involved.

Indigenous businesses can register on the website by providing information about their business. Companies may then register expressions of interest in opportunities listed on ICT Gateway.

The database is also an effective tool for major project owners in mining, construction, agriculture, and tourism to source goods and services from local indigenous businesses.

“This free website will give indigenous businesses more opportunities to connect with industry to take part in Queensland’s expanding four-pillar economy,” said John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education, Training and Employment. “By promoting and strengthening indigenous business, we are creating opportunities to reduce indigenous unemployment.

The government provided more than AU$200,000 (US$210,840) for the development of the website. Businesses that have 50 per cent indigenous ownership, or those that hire at least 75 per cent indigenous workers, will be eligible to register on the Black Business Finder. 131 businesses have already registered.