Western Business Leaders Newsletter

Hello, 

Season’s Greetings from the Economic Development team

As we reflect on 2025, it has been another dynamic year for our Charles Sturt business community.

Our Business Support Program has continued to help local businesses adapt, innovate and grow, with more than 30 events, workshops and activations delivered across the year.

Women in the West has gone from strength to strength, supported by funding from the Office for Small and Family Business, and we were also proud to see the return of our annual men’s networking event.

We extend our sincere thanks to the many local businesses, venues, speakers and partners who have contributed to and supported our programs throughout the year — your collaboration is vital to everything we do.

We are continuing to deliver actions under the Economic Development Strategy 2022–2026, and we encourage you to share your insights through our annual business survey, which will open in January 2026.

Expressions of interest to exhibit at the Western Adelaide Jobs Expo are closing soon. We would love to see as many local employers involved as possible, showcasing the diverse job opportunities available across our region.

We encourage you to leverage our grant program and use this time to reflect on how we can support your business growth in 2026. Please note grant assessments will be paused over the festive period, with assessments and committee meetings returning in the second week of January. 

We recognise that 2025 has presented ongoing challenges for many businesses, and as the year draws to a close, we encourage you to prioritise rest, recovery and time with those most important to you.

Our team will be taking a short break over the festive period. We will be out of office from Friday 19 December, returning refreshed and ready for 2026 on Monday 5 January onwards.

We wish you and your teams a safe, happy and restful Christmas and New Year.

Many thanks and happy reading,
Selma, Kym and Emma
Economic Development team

Western Business Leaders - End of Year Celebration & Networking Event

Well, that's a wrap on our Western Business Leaders events and workshop program for 2025! Thank you to all of our local businesses and professionals who attended our end of year celebration last night!

A special thank you to Oddio Bowden for hosting this networking event and to My Grandma Ben for catering.

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

Exciting Announcement: New Charles Sturt Business Directory Launching in 2026!

Get your business listed for free!

We are very excited to announce, following a soft launch at our end of year event, we will be launching a local business directory in early 2026!

Are you a Charles Sturt business? Make it easier for customers, visitors and other local businesses to find you by registering for our free online Business Directory.

The directory showcases local businesses across the city and helps promote shopping local, collaboration and connection within our business community. It’s quick to register, easy to update, and completely free.

Register your business today below.

Christmas in Charles Sturt

Christmas in Charles Sturt is here, celebrating joy, kindness and community spirit.

You can also view Council's end of year opening hours. Find out more and get involved 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.

New Business Guide

The City of Charles Sturt is a great place to start your business. Our team is here to help make your journey as easy as possible, with a range of support services and networking events.

Download our Charles Sturt Business Guide for new businesses and those seeking support 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.

Economic Insights: Spending Trends January–November 2025 (compared to 2024)

Charles Sturt’s economy continues to perform strongly, with total spend increasing by $140 million (5%) to $2.94 billion, reflecting sustained economic activity and consumer confidence across the city.

Both resident spend (up $52 million, 3.8%) and visitor spend (up $88 million, 6.2%) recorded solid growth, demonstrating that Charles Sturt is supporting its local community while also attracting people from outside the area to spend locally.

Notably, online spend increased by $260 million (14.2%), indicating a shift toward digital purchasing both within and beyond the local area, with escape spend also rising by 5%. This highlights a key opportunity for local businesses to strengthen their digital presence and capture a greater share of this growing online market.

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.

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.

Self-Employment Assistance Showcase

Whether you're itching to launch a new business, cultivate your passion project into a full-fledged venture, or seeking support for your existing endeavour, join us to discover how to turn your ideas into successful businesses.

Explore available programs and find tailored support that aligns with your vision. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and gain insights from their journeys, learning firsthand how they turned concepts into thriving enterprises.

Self-Employment Support Services:

• Office for Small and Family Business
• Auctus
• Asuria
• IntoJobs
• Possible Consulting & MBEN
• Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program Adelaide North

When: Tuesday 11 February 2026, 10am-12pm
Where: Civic Centre, City of Charles Sturt, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville, 5011

City of Charles Sturt presents Auctus - Self-Employment Assistance Taster

Curious about working for yourself but not sure where to start?

Join our two hour Exploring Self-Employment Taster. A relaxed and informative introduction for anyone considering self-employment. We’ll cover what it really means to run your own business, the support available, and how to take the first steps with confidence.

There’s no pressure to commit, just come along, ask questions, and explore whether self-employment could be the right path for you.

When: Tuesday 11 February 2026, 10am-12pm
Where: Civic Centre, City of Charles Sturt, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville, 5011

Business Connection in Motion: 'Women in the West' Walk & Talk

If traditional networking feels intimidating, forced, or just downright exhausting, this is your kind of event. Walking side-by-side takes the pressure off and creates a space where conversations flow naturally. Fresh air lowers stress, movement boosts creativity, and the casual format opens the door to meaningful, energising connection.

This is networking without the performance. No elevator pitches. No awkward intros. Just genuine people building genuine relationships.

In partnership with the City of Charles Sturt and their 'Women in the West' event inititives, Business Connection in Motion is a relaxed, low-pressure networking event for female business owners and professionals who want real connection without the awkward small talk or salesy energy.

When: Thursday 19 February 2026, from 9:15am for a 9:30am start
Where: Meet outside the Grange Jetty Café. Enjoy a guided 60-minute, easy-paced walk along the esplanade, from Grange to Henley and return. Finish at Grange Jetty Café for coffee or brunch (own expense).

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

City of Charles Sturt Presents Auctus - Business Plan Development Workshops

Ready to turn your idea into a business?

These Business Plan Development Sessions are delivered across five hands on, practical workshops (3 hours each), designed to help you develop a clear, realistic and action focused plan for your business.

Across the sessions, you’ll explore your business goals, market research, pricing, finances, marketing, and so much more, while being guided by an experienced facilitator in a supportive group setting.

Whether you're just getting started or need to refine your direction, this series will equip you with the tools and clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

When: 5-Day Intensive - 24, 25, 26 February, 3, 4 March 2026, 10am-1pm
Where: Civic Centre, City of Charles Sturt, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville, 5011

Resume Writing: Get Set for the Jobs Expo

Presented by Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program Adelaide North and the City of Charles Sturt

Are you ready to get set for the workforce and find local employment at our upcoming Western Adelaide Jobs Expo?

Come along to our information workshop to update your resume ahead of the expo and explore your options to get into local work.

When: 18 March 2026, 10am-12pm

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). Monthly Growth Ramp Program boardroom workshops begin in February 2026.

Woodville Town Hall Fringe Hub Returns

Woodville Town Hall is gearing up for its 2026 Fringe Hub, delivering five weeks of comedy, live music, theatre, cabaret and family-friendly shows in the western suburbs — including 7+ shows with Auslan interpreters. It’s a great way to host clients or reward staff with a night out while supporting local arts and culture. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses keen to get involved

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.

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.

SANFL High Performance Centre officially opens at Footy Park Precinct, West Lakes

The SANFL has officially launched its new $25.3 million High Performance Centre at West Lakes, marking a major milestone for football, community sport and local business at the Footy Park Precinct. The launch was attended by City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans and Cr Rachele Tullio, recognising the important role Council support has played in bringing this landmark facility to life. 

The state-of-the-art centre will support elite male and female talent pathways, allied health services and community programs, while also forming a key part of the broader Footy Park Precinct alongside the Mosaic Hotel, X-Golf and Hey Caddy indoor mini golf.  

As part of the development, the Mosaic Hotel will operate the new Oval View Room.  The versatile function and events space overlooking Football Park, now open for enquiries from local businesses and community groups for functions, events, meetings and staff training.

Businesses or community organisations interested in inspecting the facility can arrange a tour in the new year by emailing info@footyparkprecinct.com.au.

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.

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.