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Join the 2024 Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Conference and Awards on 25 and 26 November in Canberra. The Conference will bring together procurement and contract management officials from across the Australian Public Service (APS), industry experts, and business leaders to share insights and discuss best practice in procurement and contract management. For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit 2024 Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Conference page.

This page outlines other useful links and resources for engaging in business in Australia, and links to networks, information and advice for businesses interested in participating in Australian Government procurement processes.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO)

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) assists and advocates for small businesses and family enterprises.

ASBFEO’s Assistance Team helps small businesses and family enterprises to resolve disputes with other businesses or Australian Government organisations. For example, if a problem arises between yourself and a business partner while you are delivering work to the Australian Government and you are unable to resolve it yourself, you can request assistance from ASBFEO.

The Assistance Team can provide you with:

  • dispute resolution options
  • access to mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes
  • assistance with taxation disputes, navigating the Administrative Appeals Tribunal process, and the Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration Scheme.

ASBFEO’s Advocacy Team undertakes activities to advocate for small businesses and family enterprises to improve policies affecting them.

The Resources & Tools Centre also supplies useful tools and sources of information to assist and support small businesses and family enterprises to run their business and avoid disputes.

For more information, please visit asbfeo.gov.au.

Business.gov.au

Business.gov.au is an online resource for the Australian business community offering simple and convenient access to a wide array of government information, forms, and services.

You can use the different search functions on the platform to find grant opportunities, events, training, and business support advisers.

Business.gov.au can provide you with the essential information you need for how to plan, start, and grow your business, and information on license, registration and permit requirements you may need.

To view the full range of offerings, please visit business.gov.au.

The Treasury – Small Business

The Treasury provides advice on small business policy issues and programs and assists the Australian Government to develop an internationally competitive and productive environment for small businesses.

The Treasury offers guidance and programs relevant to small businesses, such as:

  • the Payment Times Procurement Connected Policy, which requires large businesses who enter into a contract with the Australian Government to pay subcontractors within 20 calendar days
  • programs and resources to support small business owner’s mental and financial wellbeing
  • the Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services program, which offers small businesses across Australia access to low cost, high quality, independent advice on digitalisation.

For more information, please visit treasury.gov.au/small-business.

Indigenous Business Australia

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) provides support and capability development services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

They offer a range of advice, resources, and workshops. To find out more, you can look at IBA’s how to start a business; grow a business; and buy an existing business webpages.

Visit the IBA website for more information. 

Indigenous Business and Employment Hubs

The Australian Government funds a network of Indigenous Business and Employment Hubs. These Hubs assist Indigenous businesses to access business development advice and support, and provide a culturally appropriate place to work and meet clients. In addition, the Hubs offer services to help connect government buyers with suitable Indigenous businesses.

Visit the Hub websites for more information:

Industry Capability Network

Industry Capability Network (ICN) is an independently managed non-profit national organisation, and a network of experienced industry procurement and supply chain specialists, that introduces businesses to a range of projects large and small across Australia and New Zealand.

By registering with ICN Gateway, you can join a networking database where projects are listed, create a resume outlining your business offerings, and be seen by registered buyers and project owners seeking competitive and capable local suppliers. Membership packages are also available with a range of added benefits. Some of Australia’s largest tier one and two contractors use ICN Gateway, backed by ICN’s network of over 100 Industry Specialists, to help them meet their local content requirements.

Registering on ICN Gateway may help you access business opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

ICN, and its state and territory member organisations, has offices around Australia. For further information, or to find out how to contact your local ICN office, visit the ICN website.

Visit the ICN website for more information or go straight to ICN Gateway.

Regional Development Australia

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of committees working across all levels of government to enhance regional development.

Business owners can join their relevant RDA network and associated mailing list to keep up to date on opportunities and information provided by RDA.

Visit the RDA website for more information. 

Supply Nation

Since 2009, Supply Nation has worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses along with procurement teams from government, corporate and not-for-profit Australia to help shape today’s emerging and rapidly evolving Indigenous business sector.

Supply Nation is the custodian of Australia’s largest national directory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses – Indigenous Business Direct (IBD). Becoming a Registered or Certified Supplier with Supply Nation is one easy way for Australian Government organisations to find your business. Indigenous businesses can register for free and join more than 4,000 verified Indigenous businesses who are already listed on the public database.

Once verified, you can access a range of benefits, such as:

  • promotion – get your business in front of motivated government, corporate and not‑for‑profit buyers with a listing on Indigenous Business Direct and the use of the exclusive Registered or Certified logo to identify and promote your business
  • networking – connect to buyers through Trade Fairs, exhibitions, and networking events
  • capability building – get access to training, mentoring, learning resources and support initiatives to help build capability within your business
  • exclusive offers – get access to exclusive offers from Supply Nation members, including access to member led training and support initiatives
  • resources – get access to research reports and policy briefs to learn more about the Indigenous business sector landscape in Australia.

Visit the Supply Nation website for more information.

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The Department of Finance acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water and community.