Western Business Leaders Newsletter

Hello, 

Can you believe Christmas is almost here!? Over the past month our team has been engaging with our business community and wrapping up 2025 with our final events. 

We encourage you to make the most of our recently launched grants, to grow your business, sustainably. This month we are again shining a spotlight on our partnership with the UniSA Australian Centre for Business Growth and their Growth Ramp Program.

This month we are highlighting many of our local business wins - congratulations to Cirelli, MBL, and West Beach Parks! Read more below.

Western Business Leaders - Men in Movember 2025

Last week we celebrated International Men's Day with our 'Western Business Leaders - Men in Movember' business breakfast at Coopers Stadium.

Thank you to our inspiring speakers for getting vulnerable and sharing your experiences and wisdom with our business community:

• Craig Basford, Big Shed Brewing
• Daniel Menzel, Mental Toughness Mental Fortitude 

A special thank you to Dan Kirk for returning as our passionate emcee. 
Thanks to all of our attendees and businesses who have already donated to our Movember fundraiser. 

Thank you to our local business door prize sponsor, Big Shed Brewing!

Were you photographed at our workshop? Check out the full event gallery below.

Ready, set, GO Henley!

Henley Square will come alive to celebrate the Santos Tour Down Under on our streets for the first time in our City’s history.

We’ll host the Ziptrak® Men’s Stage 3: Henley Beach to Nairne on Friday 23 January 2026 as part of the biggest cycling event in the southern hemisphere.
Watch world-class cyclists race along our beautiful coastline, surrounded by live entertainment, family fun, and a vibrant atmosphere.

With a range of activities spread across Henley Square and the Plaza, there will be something for everyone.

Are you ready to GO? 

Adelaide Beaches Tourism Marketing Support

Our Adelaide Beaches website is the premier website for all there is to see and do and where to stay in the Western Region of Adelaide and you can be listed on it!

There is no cost to list your business on the ATDW and it is free to have your information featured on the Adelaide Beaches website. You must be listed on the ATDW to participate in initiatives like the Coast is Calling voucher program!

For our Henley Beach and surrounds hospitality and tourism businesses - this is an important reminder to make sure you update your ATDW listing annually, especially ahead of major events like the Santos Tour Down Under and LIV Golf Adelaide.

Support for businesses impacted by the algal bloom

South Australian marine and coastal businesses impacted by the algal bloom event can now access expanded support. The Algal Bloom Small Business Support Grant offers up to $50,000, while commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders can apply for up to $225,000 through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant, with previously funded businesses now eligible to re-apply if impacts continue.

A new Algal Bloom Resilience Grant provides up to $150,000 for long-term recovery and innovation projects. Applications are open through 2026, with a recorded webinar available to guide applicants.

For the latest details or to register for updates, visit the SA Government's algal bloom information page. 

The City of Charles Sturt is sharing regular information and links to resources on the below webpage.

Elizabeth, Robert & Queen Streets are Open for Business

Things might look a little different while we upgrade the Robert and Elizabeth Street intersection, but all your favourite cafes, shops, and services are open for business! Support local and visit our business community: grab a coffee, browse your favourite stores, and support the local businesses you know and love. While cars may need to follow detours, walking paths remain open, please follow the signage or you can view our detour map. 

We recognise that streetscape and construction projects can impact local businesses and the community. To support you in planning and preparing ahead, we have developed an exceptional guide to business continuity throughout construction and infrastructure upgrades. Learn more about the streetscape project below.

City of Charles Sturt Commercial Solar Bulk Buy

Cut Energy Costs. Boost your Business ROI. 

The City of Charles Sturt, in collaboration with ShineHub, is launching a Commercial Solar Bulk Buy Program to help local businesses cut costs and unlock long-term savings with high-quality solar and battery systems.

This initiative is part of our City of Charles Sturt Community Renewables Program, designed to make clean energy more accessible to local businesses, no matter your size or setup. Whether you own your building or lease your space, there’s a pathway to participate.

To find out more about the program, how it could work for you, visit the link below.

Women in the West

What an inspiring evening with Kerry, the Complete Communication Coach! Our recent women's networking event and workshop explored public speaking and confidence tips for women in business. 

The City Of Charles Sturt acknowledges the South Australian Government’s Office for Small and Family Business for their support through the Connecting Women in Business grant to make this event and Elevate workshop series possible.

Watch our video from the evening and hear from some of our wonderful attendees.

The City of Charles Sturt is one of Adelaide’s most vibrant, diverse, productive and fastest growing local government areas. Our City is a great place to invest, with a thriving hub of activity, education and employment opportunities in the heart of western Adelaide.

Our investment prospectus helps you create opportunities for your business.

Find a space to develop, buy or lease

Commercial property including office, retail, industrial and development sites can be found by searching on the following sites:

Commercial Real Estate and Property For Sale and Lease in Australia
Commercial Real Estate & Commercial Property For Sale and For Lease

If you are seeking a space within Charles Sturt, get in touch with our team, as we would love to assist you.

Western Business Leaders - End of Year Celebration and Networking 2025

Are you a City of Charles Sturt business owner or professional? Join us to celebrate the end of the year and connect with other likeminded business owners.

With the end of 2025 near, we thought we should get together to celebrate another year in business and your business wins! We understand how challenging the business climate has been of late and figured you could all use an excuse to connect and celebrate!

We're keeping this Western Business Leaders 'do simple, with lots of time for networking! Refreshments will be provided upon arrival.

When: Wednesday 3 December 2025, 6pm-8pm
Where: Oddio, 31 Drayton Street, Bowden, 5007

Please note this is strictly only open to local City of Charles Sturt businesses and professionals. **

Creating a thriving Western Adelaide is dependent on a resilient business community.

Grants are a great way to fund your projects but they open, close and change regularly. Stay up to date by signing up to Grant Guru, our grant finding service so you don't miss out on future funding.

City of Charles Sturt Grants Program 2025/2026

Are you a local business, artist, arts organisation, musician, resident or live music venue in the City of Charles Sturt? Great news, you can apply for grant funding to develop and deliver new ideas, initiatives or projects in our City.

Explore our range of grants and funding opportunities targeted to our business, arts and events communities on our website. 

• Business Support Program:
  - Small Business
  Up to $2,000 plus GST available per business and up to $1,000 plus GST for Sole Traders. Businesses working collaboratively may receive up to a value of $5,000 plus GST.
  - Green Business
  Up to $3,000 plus GST is available for sustainability initiatives.
  - High Growth Businesses 
  Up to $5,000 plus GST is available for businesses in key growth sectors that create job opportunities and increase productivity.
• Shop Local Program:
  - Business Facade Improvements
  - Customer Experience
• Arts & Culture Grants:
  - Live and Local
  - Arts Fund
• Entrepreneur Scholarships:
  South Australian Business Chamber Entrepreneur Scholarships - Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program
• New Event and Sponsorship Grants
  - Event Grants:
  Community Event Fund
  Event Grants
  - Event Sponsorship
• Neighbourhood Projects

Applicants are encouraged to contact our team to discuss your ideas and the type of support you are seeking.

Spotlight on: High Growth Businesses Stream

Leverage our new funding stream for support for high-growth strategies that generate knowledge intensive jobs and increased productivity.

The High Growth Business Grant is designed to support businesses at a distinct stage of growth who are ready to scale operations, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy. Funding will assist businesses to access specialist advice, programs, and networks that will build capability and accelerate their growth trajectory.

Work with our partners:

• EO Adelaide – selective peer network for founders with turnover >$450,000
• Australian Centre for Business Growth – Growth Ramp Program (business contribution $3,250)

Woodville Town Hall Fringe Hub Sponsorship

Sponsor the Woodville Town Hall Fringe Hub – reach 10,000+ local patrons!

After the success for the 2025 fringe hub bringing thousands through this western Adelaide arts venue.

Woodville Town Hall is finalising a huge program for 2026 including live music, comedy, cabaret, theatre, magic, and our new children’s and families stream. Whether you want headline visibility or a simple show of support, there’s a package to connect your brand with up to 10,000+ festival-goers and the wider Adelaide community.

Please email the Woodville Town Hall team WoodvilleTownHall@charlessturt.sa.gov.au team for a copy of their latest prospectus.

Energy and Climate Change Assessment Grants

If you run your business from home in the City of Charles Sturt, our Energy and Climate Change Assessment Grant is a great opportunity to better understand your home’s energy performance and uncover ways to make your space more comfortable and cost-effective.

The grant funds a Home Energy Scorecard Assessment, where an accredited assessor visits your home, reviews your building and appliances. They will provide a personalised star rating and report, and talk you through tailored recommendations, rebates and incentives you may be eligible for. You will also receive an energy bill audit to help identify simple ways to reduce your household running costs.

Find out more and check your eligibility below.

Small Business Friendly Council Red Tape Survey

The Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC) Red Tape Reduction Survey has been extended to 5pm, Friday 5 December 2025. Thank you to everyone who has already shared the link—your support has helped lift response numbers, but more insights are still needed.

Businesses are encouraged to complete the survey at the link below.

SA Premier's Food and Beverage Industry Awards

Congratulations to Cirelli Coffee Roasting Co. & MBL! We’re thrilled to spotlight two impressive wins from the 2025 SA Premier’s Food & Beverage Awards: Cirelli Coffee Roasting Co. took out the Business Improvement Award (small business category), while MBL was recognised in the Service Provider category. 

These impressive accolades highlight the strength and growth of our Charles Sturt food and beverage sector — well done to both Cirelli and MBL for their commitment to excellence and local business leadership.

Future-Focused Skills at MTA

The Motor Trade Association of SA/NT has officially unveiled its new Automotive Refinishing Centre of Excellence, marking a major milestone after last year’s devastating fire. Featuring smart monitoring, carbon-tracking systems, hybrid spray booths and integrated learning spaces, the centre sets a new benchmark for training in advanced automotive technologies.

With 1,100 apprentices currently on site and apprenticeship numbers growing by 30% in two years, MTA continues to play a critical role in building South Australia’s skills pipeline — a priority for Charles Sturt as a hub for manufacturing, transport and advanced trades.

Unlocking Space for Small Business

As industrial rents climb, small businesses are increasingly priced out of Adelaide’s warehouse market. That’s why local founders Clair Crowley and Jacqui Storey created The Warehouse Co.—a matchmaking service linking small businesses with warehouse owners who have unused space to share. The platform makes sub-leasing simple, safe and mutually beneficial, supporting business growth while activating idle real estate.

Warehouse owners and small businesses can learn more at thewarehouseco.com.au.

We are committed to supporting our local employers to connect with jobseekers and local workers.

If you have local jobs and opportunities that you would like promoted in an upcoming Western Business Leaders newsletter, please get in touch.

Western Adelaide Jobs Expo 2026 - Exhibitor Expressions of Interest Open!

We are excited to once again deliver the Western Adelaide Jobs Expo, in partnership with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of West Torrens and Workforce Australia Local Jobs – Adelaide North. Last year’s event welcomed over 2,400 attendees and 101 exhibitors, alongside a full day of workshops and activities — making it one of South Australia’s largest regional employment events.

Expressions of interest are now open for employers interested in exhibiting at the 2026 Expo, with a focus on organisations offering current or upcoming job opportunities. This event provides a unique chance to connect directly with school leavers, job seekers, students and mature-age career changers who are actively exploring employment pathways. We encourage businesses to think creatively and bring interactive, hands-on experiences to engage with attendees.

When: Wednesday 25 March 2026, 10am-2pm
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Register your interest to exhibit below.

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact westernadelaidejobexpo@gmail.com.

You can search for current open tenders on the SA Tenders and Contracts website, which is commonly used for public tendering for major purchases of goods, services and works.

Co-Design and Delivery of Mobility as a Service, the Tender Code is CCS057575 and can be found using the following link: Display Tender CCS057575

The City of Charles Sturt (CCS) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to Co-Design and Deliver Mobility as a Service (MaaS) to help address a core challenge facing our community: the increasing reliance on private car ownership for everyday local trips.

Through this EOI, CCS invites providers to propose flexible, place-based mobility services that reduce the need for private car ownership and offer more inclusive, sustainable transport choices. These solutions may target everyday trip gaps or focus on specific demand hotspots, such as schools, hospitals, sporting precincts, or seasonal events.

We welcome a range of models, including on-demand services, ride pooling, community transport, event-based or seasonal operations, and enabling technologies.

EOIs close 28 November.

You can also register with SA Tenders and Contracts to receive notification of the latest upcoming public tenders and contract opportunities via the link below.

If you have business news, a story to share, would like to contribute information or have questions about anything featured in this newsletter, please get in touch.

If you know other businesses who would benefit from this information, please share this email with them and encourage them to be part of our Western Business Leaders. 

Don't forget to follow our dedicated Business Facebook page for all the latest stories as they happen.