The Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo will return to Wollongong on Friday 23 October, bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, creatives, entrepreneurs and community members for a day of connection, celebration and opportunity.

Held at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, the community-led Expo will showcase a diverse range of Indigenous businesses from across the Illawarra and beyond, with visitors invited to meet business owners, discover new products and services, and support Indigenous businesses by shopping locally.

With dozens of businesses expected to take part, the Expo will offer something for everyone - from handmade art, jewellery and fashion through to professional services, food, cultural experiences and more.

For the community, the Expo is an opportunity to do more than simply attend. Visitors can shop for Christmas gifts, discover unique locally made products, connect with Indigenous businesses and support the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprise in the region.

Expo organiser Maiquilla Brown said the event was about creating a space where Indigenous businesses could be seen, supported and celebrated.

“The Expo is about creating genuine opportunities for Indigenous businesses while bringing the wider community along with us,” Ms Brown said.

“We want people to come along, meet the incredible business owners behind these enterprises, discover something new and spend their money with local Indigenous businesses. It’s a really positive way for the community to show their support.”

The Expo also provides an opportunity for businesses and organisations to build connections, explore partnerships and learn more about the growing contribution of Indigenous businesses to the regional economy.

The 2026 Expo is supported by a range of community and business partners, including Major Partners - Curijo, Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, Wollongong City Council, and Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, alongside Community Champion Partners – Indigenous Business Australia, Wollongong Strata Management, Yilbara, Projeble, BlueScope Big Fat Smile.

The Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo is a family-friendly community event and everyone is welcome.

Tickets and further event information are available via Humanitix, click here.