The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) was created for the purpose of establishing, nurturing and growing an interconnected network of Indigenous-owned businesses throughout the Northern Territory. 

For over 65,000 years, Indigenous people have engaged in business and trade, showcasing a deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit that continues to thrive to this day. Despite facing mainstream assumptions around capability leading to hindrances in growth opportunities, Aboriginal-owned businesses across the Territory are defying the odds, charting a path of resilience and innovation in today’s fiercely competitive marketplace. 

In recent times, the birth of the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy and similar government policies have ushered in a surge of Indigenous-owned businesses nationwide. 

While these policies have created a platform for Aboriginal people to engage in government and mainstream contracting, they have also given rise to the concerning practice of Black Cladding. 

NTIBN, is a staunch advocate for eliminating Black Cladding in its efforts to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the Indigenous-owned business sector. 

As the peak body representing Indigenous businesses in the Territory, NTIBN has emerged as a cornerstone of support and advocacy. Through the delivery of vital hub supports, including organisational and industry-based development, alongside promotional support and collaboration facilitation, NTIBN plays a pivotal role in nurturing Indigenous entrepreneurship and fostering economic self-determination. 

Jerome Cubillo, CEO of NTIBN, says: “Our journey at NTIBN has been one of profound impact and transformation. We have witnessed remarkable growth that has led to meaningful change in the trajectory of the Territory’s economic landscape.” 

Central to NTIBN’s mission is the Blak Business Directory, a vital resource listing all Indigenous-owned businesses within the network. This directory serves as a gateway for companies seeking to engage with Aboriginal enterprises, fostering greater collaboration and economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses. 

With NTIBN leading the charge, the future of Indigenous businesses in the NT shines brightly. 

VISION 

A vibrant, innovative and active Aboriginal business sector in the Territory. 

MISSION 

To increase the economic participation and social prosperity of Indigenous Australians by encouraging, supporting, empowering and building the capacity of Indigenous businesses. Together we are stronger. 

The NTIBN unapologetically prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples and country in all it does. 

THE APPROACH 

NTIBN is 100 percent Aboriginal-owned and Aboriginal-centric, and ensures a Blak First approach to everything it does. 

It prioritises and preferences Indigenous values, culture, self-determination, empowerment, equity and economic development, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for employment and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises and organisations for its supply chain. 

BOARD MEMBERS 

CHAIR 

Naomi Anstess 

DEPUTY CHAIR 

Tyson Carmody 

TREASURER 

Steven Dhu 

SECRETARY 

Rayleen Brown 

BOARD MEMBERS 

Stephen Cardona 

Robbie Rusca 

Patrick Fordham 

Raymond Pratt 

Public Officer – Stephen Stavinros 

Micky Wunungmurra (dec. 2024) 

Raymond Walters 

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT HUBS 

The hubs are one-stop shops for Indigenous businesses to help them grow and thrive by providing a wide range of tailored support services and stunning facilities, including hot desks, meeting rooms, training rooms, and networking and office spaces. 

In each hub there are Indigenous Enterprise Consultants who work one-on-one with Indigenous businesses to facilitate and deliver business enabling services. Our IECs understand the nuances of Blak Business and work on a culturally safe speed to market model to ensure best possible outcomes. 

The hubs connect Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs to industry, opportunities and employment advice. It also supports Indigenous jobseekers with light-touch employment services. 

Hub locations: the main hub is at Development House, The Esplanade, Darwin. An anchor hub in Alice Springs services Katherine, Tennant Creek and regional areas. 

BUSINESS SERVICES PACKAGE 

NTIBN is committed to providing Indigenous businesses with support and resources free of charge whenever possible through its business and employment hubs across the Territory. 

The hubs also provide business and employment capability building, training and professional development opportunities on a regular basis. 

NTIBN SERVICES 

• In-house services 
• Delivered by Indigenous Enterprise 
• Consultants 
• Mentor/coaching 
• Business planning 
• Business in a Box 
• Document library 
• Ideation/incubation 
• Business concierge 
• Policy development 
• Networking and connecting to opportunities 
• Referred specialist services 
• Delivered by a service provider panel 
• Grant/tender writing 
• Financial management services 
• HR services 
• Legal services 
• Website and systems development 
• Joint venture/ partnership support 
• Risk and crisis management 
• Ecommerce services 
• Export services 
• Back-of-house support (ie legal support, payroll, HR etc) 
• Marketing services