Western Business Leaders Newsletter

Hello, 

Spooky season is underway, and Christmas is around the corner! Over the past month our team has been hosting a variety of events and targeted workshops, designed to help you grow, connect and succeed! 

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

No month is the same, with our team visiting grant recipients to check in on their progress or seeing project outcomes in real time, to playing tour guide on a local workforce tour bus. Earlier this month we also attended The Circle First Nations Business Showcase at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and said hello to some familiar and new faces. 

Western Business Leaders - Unlocking your Ideal Business

Thank you to all of our Western Business Leaders for joining us on Wednesday evening to learn how to unlock their ideal business! Thanks to Adam Peach of Peachtree Advisory for your powerful and inspiring workshop presentation. 

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

Women in the West - Speak about your Business with Confidence

A big thank you to all of the wonderful women who joined us last week for our latest Women in the West event! Thank you to Kerry, Complete Communication Coach, for her inspiring and actionable workshop session. 

Check out the full workshop gallery below.

Industry Tour of Charles Sturt

The recent Local Jobs Taskforce Industry Tour showcased some of the incredible innovation, growth and community leadership driving employment opportunities across Charles Sturt. Taskforce participants visited Novafast Holdings to see advanced manufacturing excellence in action, explored career pathways in sport and events at Coopers Stadium with Adelaide United Football Club and Adelaide Venue Management, and experienced the craftsmanship and proudly South Australian production at Silver Fleece.

The tour highlighted the strength of local collaboration, bringing together businesses, industry partners and workforce leaders to support skills development and connect jobseekers with meaningful employment pathways. Thank you to the Local Jobs Program – Adelaide North team for fostering this valuable initiative and shining a spotlight on the City of Charles Sturt’s diverse and thriving business community.

Adelaide Beaches - ATDW Workshop

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Adelaide Beaches masterclass featuring invaluable strategies for enhancing digital visibility through best practice ATDW listings. This financial year, we are expanding the scope of our events to provide more practical, workshop-style sessions designed to empower tourism businesses across the Western Adelaide region to thrive. 

The City of West Torrens hosted an ATDW Masterclass last month, featuring Nicole Thomas, Customer Success Lead at ATDW. Nicole travelled from Queensland to provide us with expert guidance and to share invaluable strategies for enhancing digital visibility through best practice ATDW listings. 

If you are a hospitality/ visitor business or tourism operator, please sign up to our industry newsletter for relevant updates in our new quarterly newsletter. 

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.

Coast is Calling Travel Voucher Program

Applications are now open for Round 2 of the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher Program, running until Friday 7 November. Tourism and hospitality operators across the City of Charles Sturt are encouraged to participate, with opportunities available through both the Travel Voucher Program (ATDW profile required) and the Dining Cashback Program (no ATDW profile required).

Eligible accommodation, attractions and experience providers should ensure their ATDW listing is active and up to date to take part in the travel voucher offering. Local dining operators — including restaurants, cafés, hotels, pubs, clubs and takeaway venues — can also register for the cashback initiative, helping attract visitors and boost local spend across our coastal precincts.

If you’re a local business looking to participate and would like assistance creating or updating your ATDW profile or navigating the program, please reach out — we’re here to help connect you to these valuable tourism support opportunities.

Support for businesses impacted by the algal bloom

Local businesses impacted by the recent harmful algal bloom can now access significant support, thanks to a state and Commonwealth-funded $28 million response package. This includes dedicated Small Business Support Grants of up to $10,000 for eligible businesses, as well as access to financial counselling, mental health support, workforce advice and direct payments to help navigate recovery and build resilience. 

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.

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.

Men in Movember - Annual Men's Business Breakfast

Join us for our brand-new men's business networking breakfast event on International Men's Day for a breakfast event that tackles the challenges affecting men's health and well-being.

Our host and special guests will discuss the importance of mental health, self-care, and adaptability, and how these impact business and relationships.

Exciting guest speakers to be announced shortly!

When: Wednesday 19 November 2025, 7:30am-9am
Where: Coopers Stadium, Holden Street, Hindmarsh, 5007

Please note this event is open to male business owners and professionals in the City of Charles Sturt and Western Adelaide region.

This event will feature a door prize raffle to raise funds for Movember. If you are a local business and would like to be involved, please email Emma (egrivell@charlessturt.sa.gov.au).

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)

Citizen of the Year

Know a group or event making a real difference in our City? Nominate them for the Citizen of the Year Awards:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year (under 30) 
• Senior Citizen of the Year (over 65) 
• Community Event/Group of the Year 

Nominations are open until 16 November.

Exciting Business News

We have some very successful organisations in our City! 

Congratulations to The Gov, who was once again recognised as Best Live Music Venue at the 2025 AHA SA Awards. A beloved institution in Adelaide’s west, The Gov continues to set the benchmark for live entertainment and hospitality in South Australia. Their ongoing success is a testament to decades of championing local and touring artists, fostering community connection, and delivering outstanding patron experiences. We applaud The Gov team and look forward to seeing them represent South Australia at the national awards.

Celebrating 90 Years of Bowden Printing

A remarkable milestone has been reached in the City of Charles Sturt, with Bowden Printing proudly celebrating 90 years in business. Since opening its doors in 1935, this family-owned company has grown and evolved through generations of change — remaining a trusted South Australian business known for quality, creativity and craftsmanship. Their longevity is a true testament to resilience, innovation and strong community connection.

Bowden Printing continues to lead with a focus on sustainability, investment in new technology and supporting local jobs — values that strongly align with our Economic Development Strategy and vision for a future-ready, connected business community. Their commitment to evolving while staying true to their heritage ensures they remain an anchor for manufacturing and design excellence in our city.

We congratulate Damien and the Bowden Printing team on this extraordinary achievement and thank them for their contribution to our local economy and community. We look forward to supporting and celebrating the next chapter in their proud journey.

Brain Body Fitness Celebrates New Facility

Last week we proudly celebrated the opening of Brain & Body Fitness, an innovative new facility designed to support people living with neurological and movement conditions to stay active, independent and connected. The event was joined by Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP, and former AFL and SANFL great Mark Mickan, a Brain & Body Fitness member living with Parkinson’s, alongside CEO Paul Flynn and Head of Client and Patient Services Rajiv Chand.

Brain & Body Fitness represents an exciting step forward in combining research, personalised care, and community support. Members can access specialised programs, world-leading equipment and expert guidance tailored to improve mobility, strength, confidence and overall wellbeing.

We are thrilled to welcome this world-class service to the City of Charles Sturt — a space where science, compassion, and community come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of South Australians.

Adelaide Pets Alive!

We’re pleased to welcome Adelaide Pets Alive to the Western Business Leaders network. Based in Grange, this volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation provides lifesaving foster care, rehoming services and community support for cats and kittens across Adelaide. Adelaide Pets Alive has recently launched its Mum Cat Program, offering free desexing for owned mother cats when their kittens are surrendered into care, alongside their established Community Kitten Program, which helps socialise, vet and rehome kittens found in the community.

The organisation is also seeking a small, donated office space in the west for education, meet-and-greets, and media opportunities. If you are aware of a suitable location, please get in touch via their website to support this important local initiative.

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.

Climate Risk Tolerance & Resilient Investment Framework, the Tender Code is CCS057663 and can be found using the following link: Display Tender CCS057663
This tender closes 30 October.

Provision of External Audit Services, the Tender Code is CCS057724 and can be found using the following link: Display Tender CCS057724
This tender closes 11 November.

Council Access, Control, Monitoring and Security Support. – Design, Upgrade, Install, Operate and Maintain, the Tender Code is CCS057720 and can be found using the following link: Display Tender CCS057720
This tender closes 13 November.

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.