Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Australia: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

In the last decade, Indigenous enterprises and entrepreneurs have played an increasingly important role in Australia. This has not always been the case. Historically, Indigenous Australians have been excluded from the broader economy. However, more recently, the number of Indigenous businesses has significantly increased despite the limited access to capital and lower level of education. This chapter provides a historical perspective of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Australia and argues that entrepreneurial leadership development can play a critical role in developing Indigenous entrepreneurship. The historical context of Indigenous Australians is first discussed, and the current status of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Australia is then examined. In particular, we focus on entrepreneurship among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Finally, the importance of entrepreneurial leadership development in the future landscape of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Australia is highlighted.

Citation

Galperin, B.L., Chavan, M. and Muhidin, S. (2021), "Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Australia: Past, Present, and Future", Spee, J.C., McMurray, A. and McMillan, M. (Ed.) Clan and Tribal Perspectives on Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 35-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78973-365-520211006