For more than 65,000 years, Aboriginal people have traded, innovated, and built thriving economies on these lands. Today, that legacy lives on through the growing wave of Blak-owned businesses taking charge of their futures and reshaping the Northern Territory’s economic landscape. 

At the forefront of this movement is the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) — a force dedicated to growing the Territory’s Blak economy by us, for us. 

NTIBN was built on one clear truth: when Blak businesses succeed, our people, families and communities rise with them. What started as a grassroots movement has become the Territory’s peak voice for Aboriginal economic empowerment — fighting for authenticity, integrity and impact in every space where business is done. 

PROTECTING BLAK BUSINESS INTEGRITY 

While government procurement policies, such as the Indigenous Procurement Policy and Aboriginal Procurement Policy, have opened doors for Aboriginal business growth, they’ve also exposed the sector to Blak Cladding — non-Indigenous companies falsely claiming Aboriginal identity to win contracts. NTIBN has stood firm in calling out these practices, refusing to let our sector be exploited for someone else’s gain. 

“Our role is to protect what’s real,” says Ray Pratt, Chair of NTIBN. “Only genuine Blak businesses create genuine Blak wealth, jobs and leadership. That’s why we lead with integrity — because our future depends on it.” 

BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BLAK BUSINESS SUCCESS 

NTIBN’s Business and Employment Hubs in Darwin and Alice Springs are more than office spaces — they’re launchpads for success. From business coaching and back-of-house support to networking and connection to real work-winning opportunities, the hubs provide tailored, culturally safe services that help Blak businesses start, grow and thrive. 

With dedicated Indigenous Enterprise Consultants working one-on-one with business owners, NTIBN delivers a speed-to-market model that understands the realities of Blak business — providing practical support without the red tape. 

NTIBN’s Blak Business Directory and Procure Connect platforms make it easy for industry and government to find, engage and do business with certified Aboriginal businesses, while the Blak Jobs Expos connect Aboriginal jobseekers with culturally safe, meaningful employment pathways. 

BACKING BLAK BUSINESS, BLAK JOBS, AND BLAK FUTURES 

NTIBN’s vision goes far beyond contracts and services — it’s about creating a strong, vibrant Blak economy, led by Aboriginal people on our own terms. Every service, every event, every partnership is designed to shift power back into the hands of Aboriginal businesses and communities. 

“We’re not here to fill someone else’s targets — we’re here to build our own economy, our own way,” says Pratt. “We unapologetically prioritise our people, our culture and our economic futures — because when Blak business is strong, everybody wins.” 

WHAT NTIBN OFFERS TO BLAK BUSINESSES 

As the Northern Territory’s peak body for Aboriginal business, NTIBN provides practical, culturally safe services designed to help Blak businesses start, grow and lead. 

Our services include: 

• Business support and mentoring. One-on-one coaching, business planning, and enterprise development. 
• Work winning and procurement support. Access to procurement platforms like the Blak Business Directory and Procure Connect. 
• Policy and advocacy Representation on key industry issues like Black Cladding, procurement reform and economic equity. 
• Business capability building Access to workshops, masterclasses, and Business-in-a-Box starter kits. 
• Employment and workforce services Hosting Blak Jobs Expos, connecting jobseekers to Blak businesses and industry partners. 
• Networking and industry connections Premier events that connect Blak businesses to government, corporate and industry leaders. 
• Business Hubs in Darwin and Alice Springs Hot desks, meeting rooms and professional spaces designed for Blak business to thrive. 
• Access to referred specialist services Including grant writing, export development, partnership support, ecommerce solutions and risk management. 
• Back-of-house support Connections to specialist services including legal, HR, marketing, web, payroll and finance. 

WHY CERTIFICATION MATTERS MORE THAN EVER 

With authenticity and integrity at its core, the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network is proud to lead one of the most rigorous and respected Aboriginal business certification processes in Australia. NTIBN’s certification is designed to protect the Blak Business sector from harmful practices, such as Blak Cladding — where non-Indigenous businesses falsely claim Aboriginal identity to access opportunities reserved for Indigenous businesses. 

“Becoming a Certified Member of NTIBN is more than a business decision — it’s a statement of integrity,” says NTIBN Chair Raymond Pratt. “It shows your commitment to excellence, professionalism and standing strong with the Blak Business community. This network was built by us, for us — together, we are shaping the future.” 

STRENGTH OF THE BLAK BUSINESS NETWORK 

NTIBN is home to a growing and powerful community of more than 400 certified Aboriginal businesses, working collectively to drive change and increase economic participation. Certified Members are part of a network that advocates for real work-winning opportunities, challenges Black Cladding, and pushes for systemic change that goes beyond rhetoric and delivers results. 

Unlike traditional business support models, NTIBN provides a culturally safe environment where Aboriginal businesses can thrive on their own terms — honouring cultural identity, community obligations, and connection to Country. NTIBN’s approach supports businesses to succeed commercially while staying true to who they are. 

“We recognise that many Blak businesses are starting without generational wealth or access to inherited resources,” says Pratt. “NTIBN exists to help level the playing field, creating pathways to opportunity, success and economic justice.” 

DRIVEN BY LIVED EXPERIENCE 

As the only Aboriginal business peak body in the NT, NTIBN is proudly governed by and for its members, with leadership grounded in lived experience. Its team understands first-hand the barriers faced by Aboriginal entrepreneurs and works tirelessly to break them down — through certification, advocacy and direct member support. 

Need support? Looking for opportunity? Ready to grow your Blak business? Contact NTIBN today at admin@ntibn.com.au or visit www.ntibn.com.au to get started.