Blak History Month. Jedda Monaro.

Jedda Monaro and the Rise of Indigenous Entrepreneurship.

Across Australia, a quiet business revolution is taking shape. Over the past decade, the number of Indigenous-owned startups has grown by around 30 per cent, reflecting a new generation of First Nations entrepreneurs who are building businesses grounded in culture, creativity and community.

From technology and tourism to fashion, food and the arts, Indigenous entrepreneurs are proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of identity. Instead, many are showing that culture can be one of Australia's greatest competitive strengths.

Among them is Jedda Monaro, an Indigenous entrepreneur whose passion for glass-blowing has transformed into an innovative business. In a field where few First Nations artists have traditionally been represented, Monaro has carved out her own path, blending technical skill with artistic vision to create striking handmade glass works.

Glass-blowing demands patience, precision and resilience. Working with molten glass at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius, every piece is shaped in moments where experience and instinct meet. Those same qualities—determination, creativity and persistence—are also the hallmarks of successful entrepreneurship.

For Monaro, building a business has meant more than selling beautiful objects. It represents the power of creating opportunities on her own terms while inspiring other Indigenous Australians to pursue careers and enterprises that may once have seemed out of reach.

Her story reflects a broader shift taking place across the country. Indigenous businesses are increasingly becoming employers, innovators and community leaders. Many reinvest profits into local communities, create meaningful employment and strengthen cultural knowledge by weaving First Nations perspectives into their products and services.

Organisations that support Indigenous enterprise continue to play an important role, helping aspiring business owners access mentoring, finance and professional networks. Combined with the determination of entrepreneurs themselves, these initiatives are helping reshape Australia's business landscape.

Every successful Indigenous business challenges outdated stereotypes and demonstrates the diversity of First Nations talent. Whether it's a technology startup, a tourism venture, a fashion label or a glass-blowing studio, each enterprise tells a story of resilience, innovation and self-determination.

As Indigenous entrepreneurship continues to grow, stories like Jedda Monaro's remind us that business can be much more than commerce. It can be an expression of culture, a vehicle for change and an inspiration for future generations to dream bigger, create boldly and build lasting legacies.