Participants in the latest Illawarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Expo are hailing its success after more than 300 people streamed into Wollongong's Town Hall to meet entrepreneurs and experience the diversity of the 40 local businesses on show.

A joint initiative of Wollongong City Council and the Illawarra Indigenous Business network, the October 15 expo was an eye-opener for visitors and participants alike. The vibe in the room was overwhelmingly positive, despite coming just days after the first anniversary of the failed Voice referendum.

Uncle Richard Davis was hugely impressed with the growth of the event year on year. "We need to do more of this, showcasing what we do, and it's great that Bluescope has come on board wanting to work with Aboriginal people and Aboriginal businesses."

Fiona Harrison operates Australia's first Indigenous chocolate company, Chocolates on Purpose, and was doing a roaring trade selling her popular 'bush food chocolate' range. "We're very proud of what we've achieved. We are 100 per cent Aboriginal owned, female led and regionally based," Fiona said.

"When you're a sole enterprise you often feel you're alone, but here at the expo we're working with other Aboriginal businesses. It's all about the circular, supporting each other as a collective."

Caressa Murphy from Caressa Designs was backing up for the second time at the business expo and there was plenty of interest in her distinctive artworks being showcased in a special range of children's clothing.

"Most of our sales are to non-Aboriginal people online," Caressa said. "We've been so successful we've now created a second business, Made On Country."

Enjoying her time cruising the expo, Sallie Moffatt was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of businesses and organisations on show. She was particularly impressed with the Evolve Communities team, Peta Fairlie and Stacey Wells. "They're two awesome women who run training workshops for allies," Sallie said.

Stacey said one of the key roles for Evolve was helping to build inclusive workplaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. "Today has been overwhelmingly positive. A lot of organisations are struggling to attract mob staff to their organisations. When mob go to work they need to feel they're going to a culturally safe place."

West Dapto-based Andrew Craig was also moving plenty of stock. His small business Ngiilay sells gift boxes and with Christmas fast approaching there was plenty of interest. "We are proud to be purchasing the majority of our products from Aboriginal businesses... showcasing beautiful products made or designed by Aboriginal people."

Exhibiting for the first time, Gadhungal Marring has developed and delivers Indigenous educational and cultural programs, including a junior ranger program. "It's awesome to see so many non-Indigenous businesses interested in our cultural experiences and school programs," said Shakeela Williams.

As we are now in Aboriginal Languages Week, it's noteworthy that Gadhungal Marring's programs are tailored to support language revitalisation and carefully crafted to ignite a passion for cultural learning.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said: "There are so many wonderful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in our region providing an array of services and we are proud, with the supoport of the NSW Government, to support those great organisations, and perhaps open people's eyes to businesses and opportunities they're not yet aware of."