Four First Peoples businesses represent Victoria at the World Indigenous Business Forum 2026
Image (left to right): Daniel Briggs, Yurringa Energy, Daniel Miller, Yurringa Energy, Lee Couch, Lee Couch Health and Wellness, Kim Reid, Karabena Consulting (representing Ilan Style), Craig Cromelin, Bidja Wines.
First Peoples businesses in Victoria are developing skills and contacts to reach new global markets.
A delegation of First Peoples business owners is attending the World Indigenous Business Forum 2026 in Canada.
First Peoples from around the world will gather in Winnipeg on 26 to 28 October. They are meeting to celebrate and strengthen Indigenous businesses and economic self-determination.
Around 1,000 people are expected to attend. They will:
- share knowledge
- build relationships
- explore opportunities for economic growth and collaboration.
We are proud to support the Victorian delegation, which was selected by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce. The businesses taking part are:
- Bidja Wines – a wine brand founded by Australia’s first Indigenous winemaker
- Ilan Style – a Torres Strait Islander business making teas from Indigenous ingredients
- Lee Couch Health and Wellness – providing First Peoples aromatherapy products and treatments
- Yurringa Energy – Australia’s first First Peoples-owned energy retailer.
Kinaway chose these businesses because they are well-aligned to the Canadian market. They are also ready to expand globally. In Canada, they will take part in:
- the forum
- a curated business-to-business program
- business meetings
- networking opportunities.
The delegation will also have the support of Victoria’s First Nations Trade Envoy, Josh Riley, on the trip. He will share his trade knowledge with the business owners and introduce them to Canadian contacts.
The Victorian Government’s trade programs, missions and services are helping more small-and-medium-sized businesses:
- export their home-grown products to global markets
- identify new markets
- diversify their customer base.
We’re committed to helping First Peoples businesses to grow. This is key for achieving economic parity for Victorian First Peoples within a generation.
Read the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy to find out more about how we support the economic goals of First Peoples.