Indigenous entrepreneur Morgan Coleman knows how important pets are in people’s lives. But it was only when he had his own pet as an adult – his dog Milky – that he realised how involved it can be caring for them.

“I realised it was really difficult to get there during business hours, and the moment I walked in I had to drag my dog through the door.”

Mr Coleman saw an opportunity to create more veterinary care services that cater to the needs of pet owners with busy lives. His business, Vets on Call, also allows vets more flexible working arrangements, whilst still being able to provide pet care to the same clinical standard.

“Basically, we’re a technology business and we deliver clinic quality veterinary care in people’s homes,” Mr Coleman said.

“By doing so, we can provide better healthcare outcomes for pets and scale really quickly through technology.”

Clients can book their appointments via a mobile app which also stores their pet’s health record.

“You can basically get all of your pet’s needs in the palm of your hand. That’s how we’ve really built this service and the tech that sits behind it really facilitates that.”

Mr Coleman is a proud advocate for Indigenous business.  As an Indigenous entrepreneur, he said gaining visibility amongst investors wasn’t always easy.

Mr Coleman also sees the private sector, and organisations like NAB, as leaders in helping to bring about reconciliation.

“When companies like NAB set some intention around reconciliation and how they’re going to help bring that about, that’s really powerful,” he said. “I see the private sector as being the leaders on this and they’re the ones in my opinion that will be the biggest drivers of change.”

Creating change and empowering future generations is what motivates Mr Coleman as he grows Pets on Call.

“When I was growing up you never saw Indigenous people in business – it wasn’t that it wasn’t there – you just never saw them,” he said.

“You’ve got to be able to see those role models – so having that point of reference for Indigenous business for the next generation really excites me.”

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May until 3 June. This year, the theme – More than a word. Reconciliation takes action – asks people to take this awareness and knowledge, and use it as springboard to take more substantive, brave action.

To learn more about NAB’s work supporting Indigenous success visit Supporting the Indigenous Australian community – NAB