Latest Business News - Opportunities for your Business - Upcoming Events
Western Business Leaders Newsletter
Hello,
Happy end of financial year!
Over the past month, our team have been supporting our business support grant recipients to finalise their projects. This week we have been hosting our Get Set Workshop Series and NDIS Networking events.
Were you photographed at our Western Adelaide Jobs Expo? We have shared the full event gallery here.
Keep up to date with the latest major projects happening in our City.
Many thanks and happy reading,
Selma, Kym, and Emma
Economic Development team
City of Charles Sturt Business Survey Snapshot
Each year we survey our business community to see how we can offer support, provide advice, and promote our businesses. Thank you to the 102 businesses who shared their insights in the 2024 Business Survey.
Key Findings:
- 50% of businesses are in a growth phase, with many planning to hire.
- 67% are confident about the future, though profitability and cashflow remain key concerns.
- Top challenges include digital transformation, burnout, and cybersecurity readiness.
- Only 46% are aware of available grants, and 64% want digital marketing training.
What Council Is Doing:
- Offering new business support grants.
- Hosting marketing, finance, and grant-writing workshops.
- Facilitating networking through Western Business Leaders and Women in the West.
- Promoting local businesses via Facebook and Adelaide Beaches.
Explore the full results to learn more about what you told us was important to you, how Council responded, and different ways we can help businesses.
Get Set Workshop Series
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Get Set Workshop Series earlier this week!
We hosted two informative workshops for job seekers to level up their resume, LinkedIn profiles, and first impressions when interviewing.
We will be sharing the highlight gallery from the day on our Charles Sturt Business Facebook page soon.
City of Charles Sturt Commercial Solar Bulk Buy
2025 solar and battery savings for businesses
City of Charles Sturt is partnering with ShineHub to offer businesses savings on their energy bills through our Community Renewables Program.
Cut energy costs. Boost your business ROI.
The City of Charles Sturt, in partnership 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.
- Solar and battery discounts for all business size
- Government rebates and finance options (including $0 upfront PPAs
- Free tailored energy assessments and ROI estimates
To find out more about the program, how it could work for you and to register your interest for our upcoming information event visit the link below.
Coastal Sounds Festival Success
A huge thank you from Coastal Sounds! Coastal Sounds wouldn’t have been the vibrant celebration it was without the incredible support of our community. We received wonderful feedback from our coastal business community.
Coastal Sounds is a partnership between the Cities of Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield.
Mural Month
Each June we celebrate Mural Month in our City by partnering with a group of incredible artists to bring creativity and colour to a range of public spaces.
Murals do more than beautify, they can reshape the identity of a neighbourhood, deter graffiti, celebrate local stories and culture, highlight environmental themes, and breathe new energy into buildings and streets.
This year’s featured artists include Adam Poole-Mottishaw, Cat Dean, David Stanley, Genevieve Byrt, Jack Fran, Julia Karpathakis, Leah Grant, Simon Cavuoto and Sam Brooks (pictured atwork at Soul Rebel) who’ve all contributed to a vibrant collection of new murals across the city.
Explore the murals below and see how each space has been transformed. We also invite you to visit them in person and experience their full impact.
A big thank you to all the artists and community members who helped bring these works to life.
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.
Economic Development Insights
Following our business engagement in the Hindmarsh Precinct and ahead of our August networking event, we wanted to share the latest data insights for the area.
Council-Wide (May 2024 vs May 2025)
- Visitor Local Spend ↑ 10.5% (+$13M):
Stronger tourism and day-trip activity boosted spending. - Total Local Spend ↑ 6.73% (+$18M):
Economic confidence and local business growth drove higher overall spend. - Online Spend ↑ 10.3% (+$17M):
Continued shift toward e-commerce and digital purchasing.
Hindmarsh (May 2024 vs May 2025)
- Visitor Local Spend ↑ 21.9% (+$2.4M):
An increase in visitation and local events led to a sharp rise in visitor spending. - Total Local Spend ↑ 17% (+$2.4M):
Increased local engagement and strong business performance supported growth. - Resident Escape Spend ↓ 14.7% (-$69.3K):
More residents chose to spend locally rather than outside the area.
(Source: Spendmapp monthly insights)
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.
If you are seeking a new hospitality lease, check out this thriving opportunity in St Clair Shopping Centre!
Commercial Solar Bulk Buy Launch Event
Join us for an exclusive information session about the City of Charles Sturt’s new Commercial Solar & Battery Bulk Buy program. This initiative is designed to help local businesses reduce electricity bills, protect against rising energy costs and increase sustainability credentials, all with the backing of your local council.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your business can unlock savings and efficiencies through renewable energy technologies.
When: Wednesday 6 August 2025, 6pm-7:30pm
Where: CC1 Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville, 5011
Bring your business electricity bill and ABN.
Western Adelaide Tourism Brunch & Learn: Promote your accommodation
Join us for our upcoming marketing and promotion workshop to help make your accommodation listing stand out!
This workshop is for local Airbnb and accommodation operators from Western Adelaide region.
When: Thursday 28 August 2025, 8am-10am
Where: Henley House Rooftop Bar, 269 Seaview Road, Henley Beach, 5022
If you are an accommodation business or Airbnb operator and haven't connected with us previously, get in touch.
Future of Hindmarsh Precinct Business Breakfast and Networking
This business breakfast is open to our Hindmarsh businesses, specifically those who we have been engaging through the Employment Lands Study.
We will be hosting this business breakfast as a collaboration between Western Business Leaders and Adelaide United.
When: Friday 22 August, 8:30am-10am
Where: Coopers Stadium, Holden Street, Hindmarsh, 5007
If you are a Hindmarsh business and haven't connected with us previously, get in touch.
Meet the Buyer
The countdown to Meet the Buyer 2025 is on, but it’s not too late to register!
Attend to meet representatives from over 40 State Government departments and public authorities, engage in the pre-event webinar, or make the most of the workshops on the day.
When: Wednesday 2 July, from 7:30am onwards
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Port Road, Hindmarsh, 5007
Strategic Networking: How to Make the Most of Meet the Buyer Webinar
When: Wednesday, 25 June, 9:30am-10:45am
Where: Presented via MS Teams
The Changing Tide of Technology - Adelaide Business Hub
Join Adelaide Techguy Richard Pascoe, heard on FIVEaa and 7 stations nationwide, for an insightful workshop exploring critical technology trends and strategies for small business owners. This session will help you navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape and position your business for success.
This workshop is free of charge to small businesses and includes complimentary morning tea.
When: Tuesday 24 June 2025, 9:45am for 10am start
Where: Intercontinental Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000
Office for Small and Family Business
Small Business Week
Small Business Week 2025 is your opportunity to build capability, expand your network, and access practical tools to help your business thrive.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your business to the next level, this is your chance to gain practical insights, explore new opportunities, and build for long-term success.
Full program coming soon!
Sign up to be the first to know below.
When: 22-26 September
The Changing Tide of Technology - Adelaide Business Hub
Join Adelaide Techguy Richard Pascoe, heard on FIVEaa and 7 stations nationwide, for an insightful workshop exploring critical technology trends and strategies for small business owners. This session will help you navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape and position your business for success.
This workshop is free of charge to small businesses and includes complimentary morning tea.
When: Tuesday 24 June 2025, 9:45am for 10am start
Where: Intercontinental Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000
Coming Soon - Banca
We are excited to introduce you to Francesca and Daniel, of Banca!
Council has been supporting their new venture on Woodville Road, from expression of interest to planning approvals.
Banca will be an all-day eatery, with Italian and Mediterranean flavours. More to be revealed soon!
Follow their Instagram below to stay updated about their opening next month.
Coming Soon - Vasili's Table
Beloved Croydon business owner, Billy of Billy's Table, will soon be opening Vasili’s Table, located at 5 West Beach Road. Follow along on their Instagram below.
Coming Soon - 18 Street Hotpot
Cult favourite, 18 Street Hotpot, will be opening locations in Henley Beach and Arndale Shopping Centre soon!
Check out their website below.
Ocean Bar & Kitchen Luncheon
Ocean Bar + Kitchen is proud to announce an exclusive and prestigious event as part of the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, taking place Saturday 28 June, from 12:30pm to 4pm.
Guests will be treated to a cocktail-style lunch curated by award winning executive chef and co-owner Adam Swanson, accompanied by premium wines and beers. This is a rare opportunity to see and hold the iconic Lexus Melbourne Cup up close, hear from racing legends, and connect with notable racing identities and local personalities, all against the stunning backdrop of Henley Beach.
As the Henley Surf Life Saving Club approaches its 100-year anniversary (est. 1925), this is a celebration not just of racing, but of community, heritage, and hospitality.
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 2024/2025
Exciting new grant projects underway
With the end of financial year in sight, we had many new grant recipients awarded funding through the Business Support Program!
Recently we have welcomed Podiatry For You, NeuroPhysio Hub, Bean There Drank That, Croydon Yoga Studio, The SZZN Group Pest Control, and Sophrosyne, to work through their strategic business projects.
We look forward to sharing more stories from our grant recipients over the coming months, as projects come to a close.
Corporate Events at the Woodville Town Hall
Planning your next big event? With a range of flexible spaces, built-in tech, and that unmistakable Woodville charm, the Woodville Town Hall is the place to host corporate events, from workshops to gala dinners.
Make the most of their EOFY offer: up to $500 off when you book and pay your deposit before 30 June 2025. T&Cs apply - chat with the team to find out more.
Adelaide Fringe Fund Grants Open
Grant applications for Adelaide Fringe 2026 are now open for businesses, venues, artists, and producers.
Fringe Fund grants are possible thanks to the generous support of the Government of South Australia and Arts Unlimited donors and supporters.
Arts Unlimited raises funds to support artists, venues, producers and marginalised communities to participate in Adelaide Fringe. A large portion of the funds are distributed as grants via the Fringe Fund, which exists to support bold ideas, elevate diverse voices and encourage innovation.
China Business Training and Exchange Program
This is an upcoming business training and exchange program in China, with the primary location being Qingdao—a vibrant coastal city renowned for its innovation, trade, and international engagement.
You're Invited: Information Session
To learn more about the program, you are warmly invited to attend our upcoming info session, where further details will be provided.
When: Wednesday, 25 June, 3pm
Where: Talent Academy Office (Suite 110, 147 Pirie Street, Adelaide, 5000) or via Zoom (hybrid)
We look forward to your participation in this exciting cross-cultural opportunity.
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. This is also a friendly reminder to make sure you update your ATDW listing annually.
SA Manufacturers Tool
South Australian manufacturers can now scale their visibility thanks to a new free tool. Supported by the Department of State Development and ICN SA, the SA Manufacturing Portal provides a platform for local manufacturers to showcase their capabilities, ultimately boosting their visibility while facilitating new business and partnerships.
The portal also allows manufacturers to understand the local market and for local businesses to find suppliers to suit their needs.
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.
Initiative to connect businesses with skilled migrants
The new SA Skilled Migrant Job Support Centre is a one-stop-shop for businesses to access skilled migrants to fill current and future vacancies, in priorities areas including ICT, Engineering, Construction and others. This is a partnership with the South Australian government, led by social enterprise Community Corporate, award-winning multicultural workforce specialists. They can provide free support services including recruitment advice, pre-screening and job matching to help make it easier for businesses to tap into this hidden pool of talent. All State-sponsored skilled migrants have full work rights and do not require employer sponsorship.
You can also make use of the upcoming free employer events: Cultural Confidence, Safety and Inclusion and ICT Industry Networking.
Express your interest below and you will be contacted to get specific details on the roles and requirements you are looking to fill.
Donate Women's Workwear to Dress for Success
Would you like to donate workwear? Here is a handy donation guide to help you give back and support women around Adelaide! Your donated workwear can help a woman land her first interview, start a new job, and walk into her future with confidence.
Donation Location:
Where: 255 Port Road, Hindmarsh
When: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
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.
We currently have the following tenders and expression of interest open:
Expression of Interest (EOI) - Sam Johnson Reserve Clubrooms (Fitzroy Lions) D&C, the Tender Code is CCS051331 and can be found using the following link: Display Tender CCS051331
This tender closes 23 June 2025.
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.
