Spooky season is here, and our local business community is buzzing! 

This month, we’ve connected businesses through our Tour Down Under briefing and Polaris Business Fundamentals, while reviewing a fantastic range of applications for our Business Grants Program.

In this edition, discover upcoming events, workshops and opportunities to connect, learn and grow.

Economic Development Team | City of Charles Sturt

Women in the West Elevate Series Extended

The City of Charles Sturt is excited to continue delivering Women in the West through to June 2027, thanks to extended funding from the Office for Small and Family Business's Connecting Women in Business initiative.

Building on the program's success, the 2026/27 Elevate Series will offer more opportunities for women to connect, learn and grow through:

• Two Elevate Workshops – Practical insights and professional development.

• International Women's Day Breakfast – Celebrating women in business and leadership.

• Women in the West Summit – Inspiring speakers, fresh perspectives and valuable connections.

We're also welcoming The Lakes Resort Hotel as our new workshop venue, providing more space for our growing community.

Whether you're starting, growing or leading a business, join us to connect, build confidence and be inspired!

City of Charles Sturt Business Directory

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.

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

MICHELIN Guide Readiness Workshop | Adelaide Beaches | Adelaide Metro Coast | TiCSA 

The first MICHELIN Guide selection for South Australia has been announced. Join us for a two-hour workshop to find out what it means for your business how you can get involved and what actions you can take to share the spotlight of Australia's first ever Michelin Guide.

Hear the latest from SATC and TiCSA on Michelin Guide opportunities, upcoming marketing campaigns, Tasting Australia 2027 and industry support programs. Gain practical insights into delivering Michelin-ready guest experiences, leveraging regional storytelling and increasing your business’s visibility to visitors.

This workshop is for accommodation, tour, attraction and experience operators, and producers, growers, makers and cellar doors. Michelin is about place, produce and story as much as chefs and restaurants, and every region has a part to play.

When: Monday 2 November 2026 | 4pm-6pm
Where: Location TBC

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.

Andy Lee | Co-Founder, TWL
Andy Lee is the Co-Founder of TWL, an Adelaide-born fitness and training brand headquartered in Ridleyton. Over 13 years, Andy has grown TWL from a small online store into a leading Australian functional fitness retailer, serving over one million customers and partnering with global brands including Nike, Adidas, Puma and Reebok. With a background in law and corporate finance, Andy was recently recognised in South Australia's 40 Under 40 and received a Game Changer Award from Adelaide University Business School.

Sean Baker | Founder, PEAQ Performance Centre & Head of Performance, Adelaide United FC
Sean Baker is an ASCA Elite Level 3 Coach and Head of Performance at Adelaide United, with experience across elite AFL, AFLW, WNBL and SANFL programs. Alongside his professional sporting career, Sean has spent over a decade building PEAQ Performance Centre into a thriving business with 47 employees and a 1,400sqm facility in Adelaide's western suburbs. He is passionate about applying high-performance principles to business, leadership and entrepreneurship.

MC – Dan Kirk | gr8r me
Back by popular demand, Dan Kirk returns as our MC for 2026, following his engaging hosting of the 2025 event and well-received keynote presentation in 2024.

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

Bowden is Open for Business

Heading to Plant 3 Bowden or Plant 4 Bowden? With parking being more challenging in the area, there is now 3-hour free parking at the UPark, located on Drayton and Second Street, Bowden, just a 5-minute walk away.

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!

Draft City Plan 2040 | Help Shape our City's Future

What could the City of Charles Sturt look like in 2040?

Our Draft City Plan 2040 sets out key directions to help shape the future of Charles Sturt as our population, neighbourhoods, economy and climate change.

Drawing on existing strategies, research and community insights, the Draft Plan identifies where we should lead, invest, investigate, partner and advocate. It aims to manage growth while protecting what we value, ensuring infrastructure, open space, transport connections and community facilities keep pace.

Share your feedback by Wednesday 25 November 2026.

Help Shape West Beach Road

The City of Charles Sturt is exploring opportunities to improve West Beach Road between Military Road and Seaview Road, creating a greener, safer and more welcoming coastal street for people to visit, shop and spend time.

We're considering improvements to walking and cycling connections, street trees and landscaping, footpaths, parking, outdoor dining, lighting and public spaces.

This is the first stage of consultation, and no designs have been developed yet. We want to hear from local businesses, residents and visitors about what they love, what could be improved and what would encourage more people to spend time in the precinct.

Have your say by Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Help Shape Pennington, Athol Park and Woodville North

The City of Charles Sturt is inviting local businesses, residents and the community to share their ideas on three projects to help shape the future of Pennington, Athol Park and Woodville North.

Explore the projects and have your say:

• Ideas for Your Neighbourhood – Share your priorities and ideas for improving local neighbourhoods.
  Pennington, Athol Park & Woodville North: Ideas for your Neighbourhood | Your Say Charles Sturt
   

• Pennington Living Streets & Sinclair Square Reserve – Have your say on improvements to local streets and public spaces.
  Pennington Living Streets & Sinclair Square Reserve | Your Say Charles Sturt
   

• New 40km/h Area Speed Limits – Provide feedback on proposed local area speed limit changes.
  New 40km/h Area Speed Limits | Your Say Charles Sturt

Local business feedback is important in helping shape safe, accessible and welcoming neighbourhoods for everyone.

Consultation is now open, with a community engagement event planned for Saturday 21 November, 10am–12pm. Visit the project links above to learn more and share your feedback.

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

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.

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.

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. 

Business Fundamentals | SA Business Chamber

Looking to strengthen your business skills and plan for future growth? The City of Charles Sturt is also offering fully sponsored places for eligible local business owners to participate in the South Australian Business Chamber's Business Fundamentals Program.

Delivered through three practical workshops, the program covers business planning and growth strategies, financial management, sales, marketing and digital capabilities.

With a mix of in-person and online sessions, multiple intakes are available from December 2026 to March 2027, providing flexibility for busy business owners.

Ready to invest in your business? Explore the program and apply for a sponsored place to build your skills, confidence and business capability.

High-Growth Grant Stream | Growth Ramp Program

Ready to take your business to the next level? The Growth Ramp Program helps ambitious business owners step away from day-to-day operations to strengthen their leadership, refine their strategy and develop a clear roadmap for sustainable growth.

2027 Program Dates:

• Session 1: Tuesday 16 March
• Session 2: Tuesday 13 April
• Session 3: Tuesday 11 May
• Session 4: Tuesday 8 June
• Session 5: Tuesday 6 July
• Session 6: Tuesday 3 August

Take the next step in your business growth journey! Explore the High-Growth Business Stream of our Business Support Program to learn more about eligibility and upcoming opportunities to participate.

Partner with Fringe Hub West 2027!

Following the success of previous Adelaide Fringe seasons, Woodville Town Hall is gearing up for another exciting Fringe Hub West, featuring five weeks of live music, comedy, cabaret, theatre, magic and family-friendly entertainment.

We're inviting businesses to be part of the action! With a range of sponsorship opportunities available, Fringe Hub West offers a unique platform to increase brand visibility, connect with thousands of festivalgoers and support arts and culture in western Adelaide.

From high-profile partnerships to smaller sponsorship packages, there's an opportunity to align your business with one of the west's premier cultural destinations. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get in touch to explore the opportunities available.

Hospitality operators wanted for Fringe Hub West 2027!

We're gearing up for another exciting Adelaide Fringe season at Woodville Town Hall and are looking for an experienced hospitality operator to join us for Fringe Hub West 2027!

The City of Charles Sturt is preparing to invite Expressions of Interest from creative, reliable and experienced operators to deliver a welcoming, high-quality bar experience throughout the festival.

Interested in being part of Fringe Hub West 2027? Formal EOI details will be released soon. Register your interest to be notified when applications open.

Signing or Renewing a Commercial Lease?

Signing a retail or commercial lease is a major commitment for any small business. The Small Business Commission SA offers practical resources to help you understand your obligations, avoid unexpected costs and make informed decisions.

Before signing or renewing your lease, explore these helpful resources:

• 10 Questions to Ask Before Signing 
• Lease Review Checklist – A downloadable checklist to help you ask the right questions before committing.
• Retail and Commercial Lease Terms Explained – A simple guide to understanding common leasing terms and conditions.

Explore the Small Business Commission SA's resources and get in touch with our Economic Development team before making your next move.

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. 

• Jasmines, Henley Beach
• Nude Aura & Lumirae Clinic, Henley Beach
• Quote Unpack, Home-based business
• Buttr Bakehouse, Findon
• Ezalia House, Seaton

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

Shop Local Grant Spotlight – Fort Café

A fresh new look for a local favourite! Fort Café, located at 368 Military Road, Semaphore Park, has refreshed its shopfront with support from the City of Charles Sturt's Shop Local Grant.

The façade upgrade highlights how small improvements can make a big difference to a business's street appeal and contribute to a more vibrant local shopping precinct.

Take a look at the before and after photos!

Interested in improving your own shopfront? Explore our Shop Local Grant and discover how Council can support your business.

Romeo’s Foodland Royal Park Named World’s Best!

A huge congratulations to Romeo’s Foodland Royal Park, crowned IGA International Retailer of the Year 2026 at the IGA Centennial Global Rally & Awards Gala in Atlanta, USA! This prestigious international award recognises excellence in retail and customer experience, marking the ninth time a South Australian Foodland has received the honour.

Since opening in 2023, the family-owned Royal Park store has become a standout destination in Adelaide’s west, offering fresh local produce, in-house sushi, freshly made pizzas, an in-store florist and a dedicated cheese room.

Congratulations to the Romeo family and the entire Royal Park team! This outstanding achievement puts our local business community on the world stage and showcases the innovation, dedication and excellence of businesses right here in the City of Charles Sturt.

Explore Consumer Spending Trends in Charles Sturt

Did you know $3.4 billion was spent at businesses across the City of Charles Sturt in the 12 months to September 2026, up 5.7% on the previous year?

Our Spendmapp Consumer Spending Profile, available on CityCompass, provides valuable insights into local and visitor spending, consumer behaviour and spending patterns.

Discover how people are spending across our City and use these insights to identify opportunities for your business.

Explore the Charles Sturt Spendmapp Consumer Spending Profile and more 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.

Trimmer Parade Stormwater Upgrade Stages 1 & 2, the Tender Code is CCS059337 and can be found using the following link below. This tender closes on 10 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.