Supply Nation and Commonwealth Bank have widened access to their Drive procurement training for Indigenous businesses by moving the programme online and adding new self-paced modules.
The expansion is intended to make the capability-building initiative more practical for business owners who are balancing training with daily operations. According to Supply Nation, the new format allows participants to work through the material at their own pace, with each module taking about an ...
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Drive began in 2021 and has so far been used by almost 400 businesses. Until now, the training had been limited to Supply Nation verified businesses, but the online version is expected to reach a broader audience across the sector, including organisations with an interest in supporting Indigenous enterprise.
The first two modules concentrate on the early and middle stages of procurement. The opening module covers the basics of tendering, including how the process works, what buyers typically require and how to prepare compliant and competitive submissions. The second focuses on negotiation, governance and finalising contracts, with the aim of giving participants greater confidence when dealing with procurement teams.
Supply Nation says further modules will be released over the coming months, broadening the programme’s coverage across procurement and commercial skills. The organisation, which connects verified Indigenous businesses with corporate, government and not-for-profit buyers, has long framed supplier diversity as a route to stronger commercial outcomes and long-term economic empowerment.
CommBank, a founding member of Supply Nation, has continued to back the initiative. The two organisations have also worked together on broader support for Indigenous businesses, including a dedicated business line and concierge service announced in January 2024, as well as an Indigenous Business Education Series that has included sessions on marketing and branding.
The timing of the Drive expansion comes ahead of Supply Nation’s Connect event in Perth, due to take place on 11 and 12 August. The gathering is designed to bring together Indigenous businesses, members and partners to deepen commercial relationships, share knowledge and open up new opportunities.
Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell said the move online would make the training easier to access for more business owners, wherever they are based. She said the programme had already helped Indigenous businesses build the confidence and capability needed to pursue procurement opportunities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
