A business forum in Melbourne has spotlighted the economic strength and community impact of multicultural businesses, recognising them as central to Victoria’s prosperity and social cohesion.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Multicultural Business Forum, held on 4 August and led by Commissioner Bill Papastergiadis OAM, brought together business leaders, policymakers, and local entrepreneurs for a day of exchange, insight, and connection.
Held in partnership with the City of Melbourne and sponsored by Bank of Sydney, the forum emphasised the value of small and medium-sized enterprises led by people from diverse cultural backgrounds. These businesses, often family-run and deeply embedded in their communities, are increasingly seen as essential to local job creation and innovation in an increasingly interconnected economy.
Commissioner Papastergiadis opened the event by noting how multicultural businesses act as both economic engines and social bridges. “The Multicultural Business Forum brought together diverse business leaders to build deeper connections and learn about opportunities for innovative collaboration,” he said. “Victoria’s diverse multicultural businesses not only contribute to our economic prosperity, they are also bridges between communities, fostering understanding, respect and harmony.”
Speakers included Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman, VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, Nick Richardson of the Melbourne Press Club, and Melos Sulicich, CEO of Bank of Sydney.
In her remarks, Nguyen said the VMC was committed to supporting platforms that strengthen community and economic ties. “The Victorian Multicultural Commission is proud to support events like the Multicultural Business Forum, which foster critical and vibrant connections and community harmony,” she said.
A panel discussion featuring Sulicich, Multicultural Ministerial Business Council Chair Bihong Wang, and business executive Nithya Gopu Solomon explored the role of migrant-led businesses in driving local innovation and opportunity. They also examined how employment contributes to migrants’ sense of identity and belonging, with Sulicich highlighting the broader impact on social cohesion: “As employment plays a significant role in developing a sense of belonging, purpose and identity for migrants and refugees, multicultural businesses safeguard community harmony and social cohesion in Victoria.”
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece echoed this sentiment, saying, “The City of Melbourne is pleased to support the Multicultural Business Forum and the role it plays in strengthening economic and cultural bonds.”
The forum was a reminder of the often-overlooked role multicultural entrepreneurs play not just in keeping small businesses afloat, but in weaving communities together and shaping a more inclusive economy. While some businesses at the forum shared stories of resilience during COVID-19, others looked ahead to cross-border growth and expansion, with particular interest in tapping into diasporic networks across Asia and the Middle East.
For a state as culturally diverse as Victoria, where nearly one in two people have a parent born overseas, this forum was more an affirmation of the daily work done by thousands of multicultural business owners across suburbs, cities, and regional towns.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
