Ben Tyler, a Bininj man and entrepreneur, said no to kunbang (poison, alcohol) when he saw the problems it can bring to his and other communities.
His personal sober lifestyle journey is what inspired him to start his business Kakadu Kitchen. He's recently opened a non-alcoholic drinks store in Humpty Doo which sells a range of delicious drinks that infuse authentic Kakadu native botanicals.
In this video he shares his inspiring business journey story, his challenges and his plans for the future.
I grew up in the Northern Territory in a remote community which shaped my values and provided me with a lot of resilience. I am a very family orientated person and love to spend my spare time with family. I have quite a big family with four children and nine grand kids. I enjoy bush walking, photography, travelling, exploring, and going on adventures.
I am currently the Senior Program Officer for IBA’s Business Solutions Team in Cairns (Yidinji Country). My role involves a continuous improvement approach to identify opportunities and solutions during program/projects lifecycles, provide advice, training and support to internal Business Solutions staff, wider IBA networks and external customers.
For example, First Nations workshop attendees, organisations and facilitators, report on and monitor our KPIs to ensure our targets are on track and review quality standards along with considerable work on the systems and processes that support these projects.
I studied and went to school in Queensland. I attended James Cook University where I did a degree in Business. I have worked in several different places ranging from Federal and State Government to major banks and non-for-profit organisations.
Over the last five years I have been working in the Indigenous non-for-profit sector and was mainly based in Northern Territory and the Cape in far north Queensland. After a while I realised, I wanted to be closer to family and saw a position at IBA in Cairns open. I decided to take the chance and have been here for almost a year now.
I have always had a passion for family especially children, I believe to help children and families we must look at how we can help adults. When I lived in Northern Territory, I witnessed first-hand the impact of poverty, homelessness, and the discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
My job allows me to support and create an impact within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is creating and establishing action to encourage impact, physical action will get an outcome.
I grew up riding horses and always thought they were beautiful spirits, especially Arabian horses. They are such a fiery horse, that smell and look nice. They have such healing spirit, that I sometimes prefer them over people.
IBA’s communications intern and Wiradjuri woman, Zenae Powell, sat down for a yarn with Indigenous Business Month (IBM) co-founder, Dr Michelle Evans, about all things IBM – a month dedicated to celebrating Indigenous businesses, leaders and people within the sector. Michelle is an Associate Professor at Melbourne University and involved in many community-based actions that encourage and advance the great work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in business.
IBM is in its ninth year since it was created back in 2015. Now going for nine years strong, IBM has created an impact within the Indigenous community, especially within the business sector, where Indigenous business, employment and leaders continue to grow.
We celebrate and showcase Indigenous business success, excellence, and leadership.
Each year we celebrate and flesh out what the sector values about Indigenous business. This is important because there is very little coverage in the mainstream of the diversity and excellence of the Indigenous business sector. We felt that raising the profile of the sector and telling those stories was so important, not only to raise awareness but also to encourage young people and those who were business hesitant to give it a go.
Next year is 10 years and we’ll be doing bigger and better things for that.
With IBM being held at the same time as the referendum, the inspiration for the theme this year was to recognise the importance of gathering together to support one another during this time. The theme touches on community, especially the community of Indigenous businesses, and the unity and support within First Nations communities.
We thought about how people would be feeling during this time and wanted a theme that would support them. The theme highlights the importance of connection and local safe space gatherings where Indigenous people within the business sector can support, uplift, and celebrate one another. This month showcases many amazing stories from Indigenous businesses and leaders.
The theme encourages people to gather, to seek solace and feedback, and to generate friendships and connections which are at the heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, in that relational way of being and doing.
The aspiration of IBM is to continue to encourage Indigenous businesspeople to run their own events and for governments and corporates to cooperate and partner with Indigenous business leaders all over the country to support and showcase the events. It is a very democratic initiative where individuals and organisations can contribute by adding events, supporting local businesses, and staying informed with Indigenous leaders within the business sector.
IBM will continue for as long as we find it exciting and positive, as long as it remains as Indigenous business driven. It is the love of creating.
Dilin Duwa exists because of the Indigenous business sector. We have over 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs who have been through our programs. They are the stakeholders of the sector, to provide education through the Murra program and through our grad certificate in Indigenous business leadership. We also do a lot of research, and we get approached by Indigenous organisations to participate in research regarding Indigenous business.
Our work provides education, programs, and dialogue to regional communities, which has been in partnership with IBA. To build Indigenous business in regional parts of Australia, it is important to support and engage with Indigenous businesses and leaders on the ground. They’re the ones doing Blak coffees and who government and other partners like IBA or Supply Nation may go to.
Dilin Duwa’s work supports Indigenous businesses and their leaders to feel economically empowered. To create that shared language about what success is, and the role that Indigenous ecosystems and philosophies have in how First Nations people do business.
The impact of the snapshot thus far is about illuminating registered Indigenous businesses, and demonstrating how many people are employed, how much money is being generated and quantifying the significant contribution of Indigenous businesses to our economy each year.
This is the third year doing the snapshot, and it continues to build more insight into the Indigenous business sector as more and more Indigenous business registries participate.
The picture I used for the research was a spider’s web. During the winter, where I live, there are these intricate webs that grow, and then disappear, and new webs need to be built. I love that metaphor from country, which is kind of like the snapshot. This is what it looks like during the years, and it informs how we, and how policy, can help the shift, grow, and supercharge to create a different snapshot next time.
At the moment we have initiatives, programs and education, but there are so many more possibilities. The snapshot allows us to open up those possibilities and lays the foundation for the future development of the sector.
Get on the wild side, the buck wild side, and check out the Black Magic Woman vodcast - Episode #112 featuring Lacey Long a proud Kamilaroi woman and owner of Buck Wild Country. Lacey talked with vodcast host, Mundanara Bayles, about her business journey, family/friends, and words of inspiration to all inspiring entrepreneurs.
Previously working in government agencies and even starting her first business of a clothing boutique at 18, Lacey always knew she would be in business. She transitioned into her current business, Buck Wild Country, after a need for lifestyle change now that she has a daughter – her focus was to merge her inspirations both as a business owner and as a parent.
With a business start-up loan from IBA, Lacey used the funds to purchase stock for the men’s and children’s clothing line of Buck Wild Country.
The business is inspired by BOHO country aesthetic with a variety of clothing to live your ‘buck wild side’. With beautiful hand drawn designs, Lacey’s business goes beyond country and continues to grow.
From what started with one design for men, the business quickly grew to over 20 designs for men, women, and children. Today, Buck Wild Country is proudly an Australian country lifestyle and fashion brand, built with love for the whole family.
As part of our Strong Women Strong Business network, Lacey spoke at a Lunch & Learn session last year that brought together her business experience with the importance of money management.
In the recent Black Magic Woman vodcast, Lacey shared some words of wisdom and reality to aspiring business owners: “Just go for it, start with your friends and family. Don’t give up and keep going, there’s going to be hurdles.”
With these inspiring words, the only thing holding you back, is you.
Watch the vodcast episode or check out Buck Wild Country across socials or on their website, buckwildcountry.com.
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IBA is proud to sponsor a series of strong women in business for this year’s Black Magic Woman pod- and vod-casts. If you would like more info on all the Black Magic Woman yarns, visit the website, blackmagicwoman.com.au/iba-partnership-series/.
To find out more about how you can start or grow a business, visit Starting a business.
On the recent episode (#110) of Black Magic Woman, Mundanara Bayles hosted Priscilla Mason, a proud Worimi woman and one of the directors of Indigeco. Priscilla talked about her passion for promoting employment opportunities for Indigenous individuals and communities.
Started in 2017 with funding provided by IBA via a start-up loan package, Indigeco is a Supply Nation certified business that specialises in recruitment across both regional and metropolitan areas.
“Money was tight, but IBA took a chance on me. I can’t thank them enough,” says Priscilla.
With a start from humble upbringings and experience in the construction industry, Priscilla and her husband, Todd, saw the opportunity for growth in Aboriginal employment. In the beginning they started off on small construction sites, with only two labours. Now they provide several services ranging from employment, consulting on major construction projects and more.
The business now also has a training side of things with MobReady, which has VET accreditation to skill up Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to find career pathways in the labour hire space.
Indigeco continues their relationship with IBA as they grow. They use our invoice financing, a service that helps our customers whose cash flow can’t keep up with their growth.
“I still use them (IBA) today. They are fantastic,” says Priscilla.
Find out more about Indigeco’s story through the vodcast or visit their website, indigeco.com.au.
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IBA is proud to sponsor a series of strong women in business for this year’s Black Magic Woman pod- and vod-casts. If you would like more info on all the Black Magic Woman yarns, visit the website, blackmagicwoman.com.au/iba-partnership-series/.
To find out more about how you can start or grow a business, visit iba.gov.au/business/.
Black Arc Industries are a 100% Indigenous owned business in Alice Springs NT that does custom welding, modifications, and repairs on steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. 
Hayden Jude is a proud Batcho man of the Larrakia family and the owner of Black Arc Industries. He talked to IBA about the hard work of running a business and how to keep things real when it’s a family business.
What’s the best thing about owning your own business?
The best thing about owning your own business is that you get to be your own boss. You get to have the freedom to make decisions that align with your personal values and goals.
I also have opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our clients and employees. By creating a positive work environment and providing quality products and services, you can help others achieve their own goals and aspirations.
How has IBA helped you and/or your business?
We used a business loan to purchase a truck, trailer, and excavator, which have been valuable assets for the business.
IBA believed in me and my business plan and worked alongside us to get things happening. Through IBA we have also been put in contact with various other organisations which has been instrumental in the success of the business.
If yours is a family business, what’s the secret to making it work?
Firstly, you need to like them [haha]. 
You need to have good communication and boundaries in place!
Find out more about Black Arc Industries: blackarc.com.au/ or instagram.com/blackarc_industries/.
Find out more about IBA business support.
Check out the second installment of the new vodcast series that we're partnering on with Black Magic Woman! In this episode, host Mundanara Bayles yarns with educator and community leader Tanyah Nasir on beautiful Larrakia country.
Black Magic Woman explores issues of importance to First Nations people and communities. and we've partnered on a number of episodes with topics from housing, business, youth, women, investing, financial literacy, economic development and COVID-19 recovery.
Episode 106 features Tanyah Nasir, a Darwin woman with connections to the Garrawa, Djugun, and Tiwi language groups. Tanyah is an educator with over 25 years’ experience, and prides herself on understanding the approach and methodology required to achieve success as Indigenous people.
Her program - 'Rise Up' provides a unique opportunity for First Nations people to reflect on their distinctive lived reality and the issues they encounter on a daily basis. The Rise Up program also facilitates critical thinking and self-reflection to encourage and support personal change and social transformation to create the life they want.
Black Magic Woman is accessible on all major platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Angie had been thinking about starting her own writing and editing business for years. Then in early 2021, after a year of working from home in her salaried position and facing indefinite restrictions to meeting up with colleagues, she decided to take the leap.
IBA supported Angie Faye Martin, a Kooma/Kamilaroi woman, to get started with a business loan that allowed her to cover the costs of essential office equipment.
Angie acknowledged, “Start-up business expenses for a primarily online freelance business add up quickly. In addition to hardware, I had to purchase cloud storage, domains, insurance, legal advice and memberships to professional organisations and editing resources and style guides.”
Now, almost two years later, Versed Writings is a thriving business with a loyal client base and a multitude of business services. Her clients have included academics within Australia and overseas, a number of state and federal government departments, some large not-for-profits and numerous fictional authors.
Angie’s business is built on a passion for meaningful, tailored streamlined prose – whatever the purpose or whoever the audience.
“I believe meaning matters most. If you’re clear on what you want to communicate and the intention of your message before you sit down to write, the words will flow effortlessly,” said Angie.
Versed Writings offers content writing, copyediting and cultural sensitivity editing services.
“I started off mainly doing copyediting for academic journal articles and annual reports because that is my comfort zone and I expanded from there,” said Angie.
In a matter of months, Angie realised the high demand for content writing and cultural sensitivity editing from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective. She sought out the mentorship of Ngiyamppa academic Dr Mark Lock, who is an expert in the field of cultural safety editing, and IBA supported weekly mentoring sessions for three months so Angie could build her knowledge, skills and confidence in this area of growing demand.
Angie is signed with HarperCollins for her novel, Melaleuca, to be released in 2024, an outback noir crime thriller about an Aboriginal police woman called out west to investigate the murder and disappearances of Aboriginal women.
Business support comes in many different forms. IBA provides capability building, finance, and workshops for entrepreneurs and businesses wanting to develop their ideas. Find out more at iba.gov.au/business/starting-a-business.
IBA partnered with SBS Small Business Secrets again this year to feature four First Nations businesses doing what they do best. The segments were featured on SBS and NITV, and this was the third year we have supported the production of the series.
SBS produced a special NAIDOC segment that kicked off the week and wrapped it up with Standley Chasm and Amber Days included. Earlier in the year, we had segments on Cooee Cafe and Ngarga Warendj.
This year’s segments were also translated into Mandarin and Spanish as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) shared them worldwide through their social channels during NAIDOC week and screened in the DFAT lobby in Canberra.
Check out the full playlist on our YouTube channel or view and read the individual stories below:
