MoU Meet the Buyer Forum and Networking Event - 31 October 2019

INVITATION FOR INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES

A free Meet the Buyer Forum and Networking Event is being hosted by the MoU to Increase Indigenous Participation in the Queensland Resources Sector, in partnership with:

• South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (SEQICC)
• Queensland Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP)
• Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP)
• Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT)
• Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)
• Many Rivers
• Supply Nation
• Industry Capability Network (ICN) and
• the Black Business Finder.

Forum objectives

Greater contracting with Indigenous businesses is a significant industry trend as resource companies look to increase their supplier diversity and support local businesses. The Meet the Buyer Forum Event seeks to connect resource sector procurement managers and contractors with Indigenous businesses that could supply the Queensland resources sector.

For Indigenous businesses, attending the forum is an opportunity to:

• hear from resources sector representatives about what is happening in the industry and what contracting opportunities are available;
• promote your products and services in one-on-one meetings with staff from resource companies and major mining contractors who have expressed interest in engaging more Indigenous businesses;
• get advice and suggestions from resources sector representatives about how to tailor your business’ products and services to the demands of the resources sector;
• network with other Indigenous businesses and a range of Indigneous business support agencies that may be able to assist your business.

Format of the Meet the Buyer Forum
The forum will be run as a speed-networking event, with resource companies, contractors and business support organisations stationed at tables to be visited by Indigenous businesses. Indigenous businesses will have 5 minutes at each table to present their business capabilities. There will also be opportunities to network with other Indigenous businesses.

For those that have attended previous Meet the Buyer forums, this one will start a little earlier than usual to facilitate the registration process and to enable some networking with other Indigenous businesses. Our professional photographer will also be there to take headshots or photos for your website free of charge. There will also be a quick refresher on pitching to get you ready for the start of the speed networking event.

Who should attend?
Established Indigenous businesses that are keen to expand into Queensland resources sector supply chains.

What do I need in order to attend?

• Capability Statement- It is a requirement for this event to have a capability statement. Read below “Has Your Business Got a Capability Statement?”
• Business Cards and Information- You should bring along plenty of business cards and information on your business to hand out to both the resource companies and other businesses.
• Elevator Pitch- This is a short speech that explains your business and what you can offer in a couple of minutes. If you would like help with preparing an elevator pitch, please contact the Queensland Department of State Development for assistance. There will also be a refresher session on pitching delivered immediately before the speed networking session starts.

Does your business have a concise Capability Statement (1-2 pages)?

If YES - please forward a copy of your capability statement in PDF format to: mel@consultingsolutions.net.au by the RSVP date of Friday 25 October 2019.

If NO - or if you require assistance to update your Capability Statement into a concise 2 page summary of your business capability, the Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning can assist you to draft a capability statement and develop your elevator pitch. For more information, please contact John Gillespie, Principal Economic Development Officer on 07 3432 2417 or at email: john.gillespie@dsdmip.qld.gov.au

For further information:

For all enquiries please contact: Mel Sutton, MoU Partnership Facilitator on 0404 805 177 or email: mel@consultingsolutions.net.au.

Places are limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible. RSVP's close on Friday 25 October 2019.

Please forward this invite to any other Indigenous businesses that may have an interest in attending.