Image credit: Juggle House Experiences
Since the launch of South Australia’s Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030, more than 6000 small business owners across the state have received support to develop their skills and expand their businesses.
Investing over $14 million into key programs, the State Government has aimed to strengthen South Australia’s economy, which benefits from small businesses contributing $49 billion annually and employing 300,000 South Australians.
19 out of 20 initiatives are now active, benefiting small business owners in both metropolitan areas (56%) and regions (44%). Programs like the Women in Business initiative, backed by $4 million, has been particularly successful. It has assisted over 2200 South Australian women, many of who are new business owners, through mentoring and workshops covering crucial topics like business management, finance, marketing, digital technologies, and cyber security.
“We are a South Australian tour hosting business operating 90 minutes from Adelaide near Mannum, providing cross-regional tours and travel adventures,” Juggle House Experiences Owner, Kelly Kuhn, said.
“Being involved in the Women in Business program has opened the doors to significant support and opportunities, as well as access to a network of inspirational and likeminded women.
“Through the Strategy’s programs, we are seeing more workshops, mentoring and training sessions being delivered in the regions. This is vital for regional businesses, who deserve as much support as our counterparts in metropolitan areas so that they can upskill and stay competitive.
“Supporting SA’s businesses has been at the heart of the small business strategy and it’s part of the reason why it’s respected and appreciated by regional businesses.”
In its first year, the Small Business Strategy has achieved several breakthroughs, including:
- Small Business Week 2024, featuring a week-long series of workshops, webinars, tours, and networking events, attracted 1400 registrations, encouraging community and learning among business owners.
- Over 1800 business owners benefited from programs, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring sessions to support their operational skills and capabilities.
- Mental health and wellbeing services were extended to more than 800 small business owners and their employees, recognising the importance of support beyond business development.
- The Cyber Uplift Step Program provided affordable cyber security education and mentoring to 69 small businesses, important in today’s digital landscape.
- Business Support Officers customised solutions for more than 2100 businesses, addressing specific challenges and needs.
- The launch of the Small Business Sustainability Support Program aimed to lower energy costs for small businesses and encourage environmental sustainability.
South Australia’s effective support for small businesses has caught the eye of the country, inspiring other states to think about taking on similar strategies.
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