Spring is here, and there’s plenty happening across our local business community.

Over the past month, we’ve hosted our annual Adelaide Beaches Tourism Industry Networking event here in Charles Sturt, delivered a practical cyber security workshop in collaboration with Digital Solutions and Adelaide Business Hub, and continued connecting with local businesses through the Henley Beach Business Association and across our business precincts.

We’ve also been busy assessing applications following the launch of our Business Grants Program and have been excited to see the range of ideas, projects and opportunities being put forward by our local business community.

In this edition, you’ll find upcoming networking events and workshops, along with a range of programs, resources and opportunities designed to help your business connect, build capability and grow.

Economic Development Team | City of Charles Sturt

Adelaide Beaches Tourism Industry Networking Event

Last week we welcomed tourism operators, hospitality businesses and industry partners to Ocean Bar and Kitchen at Henley Beach for our latest Adelaide Beaches Tourism Industry Networking event.

We were delighted to hear from the Hon Emily Bourke MLC, Minister for Tourism and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, alongside Daisy Miller from the Tourism Industry Council South Australia - TICSA and Sally Smith from the South Australian Tourism Commission, who shared valuable insights into South Australia’s tourism industry, opportunities ahead and the importance of working together to strengthen our visitor economy.

A big thank you to our speakers, everyone who joined us, and Ocean Bar & Kitchen for hosting us in such an iconic Henley Beach location.

This event was delivered by the City of Charles Sturt, in partnership with the City of West Torrens, City of Holdfast Bay, and City of Port Adelaide Enfield through the Western Adelaide Tourism Alliance (WATA). Together, we’re continuing to showcase Adelaide Beaches as a vibrant destination to visit, stay, dine and explore.

Cybersecurity made Simple for Small Business 

Last week we also welcomed local businesses to our Defend, Detect, Recover: Cybersecurity Made Simple for Small Business workshop, delivered in partnership with Adelaide Business Hub and the Australian Government Digital Solutions Program.

Facilitated by Brett Moffett from Systematech IT Consulting, the practical session explored some of the most common cyber threats facing small businesses and, importantly, the simple steps businesses can take to reduce their risk, protect their data and respond if something goes wrong.
Thank you to Brett for sharing his expertise and to everyone who joined us for the session.

Funded by the Australian Government, Round 3 of the Digital Solutions Program is open to for-profit businesses throughout South Australia with an active ABN, fewer than 20 staff or Sole traders. Learn more about the Digital Solutions program on the Adelaide Business Hub website below.

City of Charles Sturt Business Directory

Get your business listed for free! Are you a City of 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.

If you are a home-based business, we have added a new field (private address) which doesn't display your home address but ensures your eligibility.

Register your business below.

Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Expo 

What a fantastic day at Adelaide’s first Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Expo at Woodville Town Hall yesterday! Created by Violeta Abarzua of Mingle Co., the expo brought together neurodivergent entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, connect with the community and celebrate the diverse strengths, talents and perspectives they bring to the business community.

It was wonderful to see Woodville Town Hall filled with local businesses, ideas and connections, and to see an event creating a dedicated platform for neurodivergent entrepreneurs to share their work and experiences.

The Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Expo was proudly supported by the City of Charles Sturt through our Events Grants Program, helping bring this inclusive and innovative event to our City. Congratulations to Violeta, the exhibitors and everyone involved in bringing the inaugural Expo to life!

Polaris Business Fundamentals Group Session | City of Charles Sturt

This free session is proudly brought to you by the City of Charles Sturt and for businesses who are already in business and have an ABN. It will equip you with practical strategies and essential business fundamentals to support your growth.

Developed and presented by experienced business owners and business mentors from the Polaris Centre, this session offers practical tools, proven strategies, and a supportive environment tailored to business owners.

Places are limited! Book now to secure your spot.

When: Wednesday 14 October 2026 | 4pm-8pm
Where: CC1, Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville South, 5011

LAUNCHED. | City of Charles Sturt X MILCO

Four new businesses. One opening night. Join us for LAUNCHED., a celebration of entrepreneurship, new ideas and the people bringing them to life. Presented by MILCO in collaboration with the City of Charles Sturt, LAUNCHED. will showcase four emerging businesses:

• MAE.D The Label
• COSMO AI by Alto Apto
• Unleased: Shared Warehouse Spaces
• MIMO Mats

Hear directly from the founders, explore their products and ideas and learn more about what it takes to bring a new business to market. Enjoy wood-fired pizza from KNEAD Pizzeria Henley Beach, drinks, music, founder showcases and launch-night offers.

When: Thursday 29 October 2026 | 6pm-9pm
Where: Oddio Bowden, 31 Drayton Street, Bowden, 5007

Women in the West Elevate Workshop | Lead the Business You Set Out to Build

Join us for our next Women in the West – Elevate workshop, designed to build the confidence, capabilities and connections of local women in business.

In Lead the Business You Set Out to Build, guest facilitator Paulette Kolarz will help you step back from the day-to-day demands of running a business and take a closer look at where your time and energy are really going. You’ll identify the bottlenecks keeping you caught in the urgent and explore what could be simplified, automated, outsourced or delegated to create more space for the work that moves your business forward.

This practical, hands-on session will see you work on your own business and your own week, using tools including a Time and Energy Audit and Paulette’s Extra Day Method™. You’ll leave with a redesigned week, your key bottlenecks identified and a focused action list you can start implementing straight away.

When: Thursday 5 November 2026 | 6pm-8:30pm
Where: Lakes Resort Hotel, 141 Brebner Drive, West Lakes, 5021
Guest Facilitator: Paulette Kolarz, Bespoke HR; Performance Collective Academy

Men in the West | Business Breakfast | Western Business Leaders 

Come along for our annual men's business networking breakfast event, empowering men's health and well-being.

Join us 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 leadership, growth, mental health, self-care, and adaptability, and how these impact business and relationships.

When: Thursday 19 November 2026 | 7:30am-9am
Where: Footy Park Precinct, 37 Turner Drive, West Lakes, 5021

Western Business Leaders | End of Year Celebration

With the end of 2026 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!

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

When: Thursday 3 December 2026 | 6pm-8pm
Where: Oddio Bowden, 31 Drayton Street, Bowden, 5007

Doggy Day at the Beach

Doggy Day at the Beach returns to Henley Square! Join us on Saturday 10 October for the City of Charles Sturt’s annual dog-focused event, featuring activities, training sessions, market stalls and giveaways.

Be sure to support our local stallholders Chasing Shadows Photography and Henley Opportunity Shop while you’re there.

When: Saturday 10 October 2026 | 11am–2pm
Where: Henley Square

New Business Welcome

We have many exciting new businesses opening in our City recently! We would love to welcome the following new business to the City of Charles Sturt. 

• MYLK Bar, Woodville Park

If you know of any other new businesses opening, we would love to visit them and welcome them in our next edition. 

Business Support Program | Local Business Stories

Discover the people and businesses helping shape our local economy. Explore our latest business stories for insights, inspiration and a closer look at the diverse businesses growing and evolving across the City of Charles Sturt.

Meet Linlin Interiors and discover the story behind this local business, including their journey and experience accessing support through the City of Charles Sturt Business Support Program.

Discover the story behind How to Help My Child, a local business helping parents and families access practical support and resources and learn how the grant helped them strengthen and grow their business.

Learn more about The Village Co, who partnered with Maree Hopgood from GAT Agency to develop a comprehensive marketing and event management strategy that would strengthen the organisation's fundraising capability.

Local hospitality businesses shine at Hostplus Awards

Two City of Charles Sturt businesses have been recognised at the 2026 Hostplus Awards for Excellence, celebrating some of South Australia’s best hospitality venues.

Vasili’s Table in West Beach was named New Restaurant winner, recognising the coastal Greek taverna’s approach to traditional flavours, charcoal cooking, fresh seafood and shared dining. Inspired by owner Vasili “Billy” Petropoulos’ Greek family traditions, the restaurant combines a farm-to-table philosophy with the relaxed atmosphere of West Beach.

In Hindmarsh, Pony & Cole continued its impressive run of industry recognition, taking home Café Dining before being awarded the major title of Casual Dining of the Year. The Manton Street favourite, located in a converted 1960s warehouse, has built a strong reputation for its creative breakfasts, brunches and lunches.

Congratulations to both businesses on this fantastic recognition and for continuing to showcase the quality and diversity of hospitality experiences on offer across the City of Charles Sturt.

Collective Soul Centre celebrates first birthday

Congratulations to Collective Soul Centre in Royal Park, which recently celebrated its first year in business with a community open day.

The Centre brings together eight allied and holistic health practitioners, offering a range of services, classes and events. The birthday celebration provided an opportunity to welcome the local community, offer free come-and-try sessions and showcase the Centre and its practitioners.

Congratulations to Sue Shaw and the Collective Soul Centre team on this fantastic local business milestone!

Bowden is Open for Business

Bowden's cafes, restaurants, retailers and local businesses are open and ready to welcome you while streetscape improvements continue. Whether you're grabbing a coffee, dining with friends or supporting local, it's a great time to visit the precinct.

Visitors can take advantage of one hour of free parking at the UPark Bowden, with participating businesses offering up to an additional two hours of free parking via the UPark app. Ask your favourite Bowden business about parking validation when you visit.

We encourage you allow extra time for parking if visiting the businesses and make sure you still show them some love and support during this time!

Connecting with our local business precincts

Our Economic Development team is getting out and about in Bowden, Brompton, Henley Beach (and surrounding suburbs of Henley Beach South and West Lakes Shore) and West Beach, connecting directly with local businesses to hear what’s happening on the ground.

These visits are an opportunity for businesses to share their experiences, opportunities and challenges, learn more about upcoming Council initiatives, community engagement, and support, and help us better understand the needs of each precinct.

For our Henley Beach and surrounding businesses, we have begun engaging ahead of the return of Tour Down Under in January 2027. We have a business briefing session in the coming fortnight for relevant businesses in the precinct.

If you see our team out in your area, be sure to say hello! We look forward to meeting more of our local business community over the coming weeks.

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.

Grant Applications are Open | Apply Now

Got an idea that could benefit your community? Whether you're a business, artist, community group or event organiser, our grants can help turn your vision into reality.

Supporting everything from community events and creative projects to environmental initiatives and business growth, we're investing in local ideas that make our neighbourhoods more connected, vibrant and welcoming.

Explore our range of grants and funding opportunities targeted to our business, arts and events communities:

• Business Support Program:
  - Small Business
  - Green Business
  - High Growth Businesses 
• Shop Local Program
• Arts & Culture Grants
• Entrepreneur Scholarships:
  South Australian Business Chamber Entrepreneur Scholarships
  - Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program
• Event and Sponsorship Grants

Applicants are encouraged to contact our team to discuss your ideas and the type of support you are seeking. We have been overwhelmed with the interest in this year's program again - don't wait to apply!

Learn more about the grants available and apply now. 

Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program | October Intake

The City of Charles Sturt, in partnership with the South Australian Business Chamber, is offering a limited number of sponsored places for eligible local participants in the Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program.

Designed for people with a start-up business or a viable business idea, the program combines practical face-to-face workshops with one-on-one mentoring from experienced business professionals. Participants will build the skills, knowledge and confidence to refine their ideas, strengthen their business foundations and take their next steps.

Sponsored places are available to people who live or operate a business within the City of Charles Sturt and are committed to actively participating in the program, which you can learn more about here.

Applications are now open for the October intake. Learn more and select ‘Apply Now’ to apply for a sponsored place. If you would like to learn more about the program, you can contact the South Australian Business Chamber’s Programs team via programs@sabusinesschamber.com.au. 

High-Growth Grant Stream

The Growth Ramp Program gives business owners the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus on the bigger picture - building their leadership skills, strengthening their strategy and developing a clear pathway for future growth.

New Growth Ramp cohort dates will be released shortly. Keep an eye out for further details and upcoming opportunities to participate. Learn more about our High-Growth Business Stream of the Business Support Program below.

Power Her Up 

Power Her Up is a business capability program supporting South Australian women business owners and entrepreneurs to build their skills, confidence and connections, explore new opportunities and take their ideas further.

Delivered by Women in Creative Technologies (WiCT) and funded by the Office for Small and Family Business, Government of South Australia, the program brings together practical workshops, founder meet-ups, mentoring and networking opportunities, along with an Innovation Design Sprint for selected participants.

Participants can build capability across areas including digital business systems, strategy, marketing, pitching and investment readiness, while exploring how creative and emerging technologies can support real business opportunities.

Interested in taking your business or tech-enabled idea further? Learn more about Power Her Up, upcoming opportunities and how to get involved below.

Fringe Hub West

Adelaide Fringe 2027 might feel a little way off, but planning is already underway at Woodville Town Hall! Expressions of Interest are now open for artists and performers interested in bringing their show to Fringe Hub West in 2027.

Whether you’re a musician, comedian, cabaret act, theatre-maker or have something completely different in mind, we want to hear from you. Be part of the Fringe action and perform at one of the west’s most iconic heritage venues.

Expressions of Interest are now open.

Venue Registrations Open for Adelaide Fringe 2027

Venue registrations for Fringe 2027 are officially open! 

Whether you’re a theatre, pub, gallery, pop-up or something completely unexpected, Fringe is your chance to grow your audience, support artists, curate your own program and put your venue at the heart of the Fringe buzz.

Key Dates:

• Event Registration Deadline for Printed Guide: 30 October 2026
• Program Launch: 4 December 2026
• Festival Dates: 19 February 2027 - 21 March 2027

Registration is completely FREE! Learn more below.

Women in Business Foundations Program

Looking to strengthen your business, build your confidence or turn a new idea into a business? The Women in Business Foundations Program, delivered by Adelaide Business Hub, provides practical, tailored support for South Australian women at different stages of their business journey.

Eligible women business owners can access up to six one-on-one mentoring sessions for a subsidised cost of $220, with experienced advisors providing support across areas including business planning, growth strategies, finance, HR, digital marketing, cyber security and AI.

For women who are still developing their business idea, Launch Your Own Business workshops are also available to help build strong foundations and take the first steps into business.

The program is an initiative of the Office for Small and Family Business. Applications are now open via the Adelaide Business Hub website.

Considering a commercial lease?

Signing a commercial or retail lease is a significant commitment for any small business. The Small Business Commission SA has released a practical guide outlining 10 questions to ask before signing, covering everything from the true cost of a premises and responsibilities for repairs and maintenance to approvals, lease flexibility and what happens when your lease ends.

The Commission also provides information and support to South Australian small businesses on retail and commercial leasing, bonds and dispute resolution, as well as a downloadable Lease Review Checklist to help you understand the right questions to ask before committing.

Thinking about signing or renewing a lease? Read the blog and explore the resources and support available through the Small Business Commission SA.

Energy and Climate Change Assessment Grants

Running a business from home? Get a free energy assessment.

If you operate your business out of your home, the Energy and Climate Change Assessment Grant is for you. Through the grant, eligible home-based businesses can access a free home energy assessment, giving you a clear picture of where your energy is going and practical steps to cut your bills.

It's a simple, no-cost way to make your business more efficient and your home a little healthier. Applications are open now! Find out more and check your eligibility below.

Develop, buy or lease in the West

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.

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.

Media Monitoring (CCS, CoM, PAE), the Tender Code is CCS059230 and can be found using the following link below. This tender closes on 7 October.

Woodville Town Hall Event Staff and Security, the Tender Code is CCS059369 and can be found using the following link below. This tender closes on 19 October.

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.