The Wire

A delegation of North American indigenous business leaders has arrived in Australia in a show of support for Australian indigenous-owned businesses. Members of the delegation include representatives from the US National Minority Supplier Development Council. The non-profit organisation assists and accredits minority owned businesses in the US. This enables minority owned businesses to engage directly with the US corporate sector. Michael McLeod, spokesman for the group hosting the delegation, says the visit is a major breakthrough for Australian indigenous businesses, and could help to lift indigenous Australians out of a cycle of poverty and welfare dependence.