Your City Business, 22 January 2025

Championing Adelaide’s Economic Growth for Four Years: AEDA Makes a Solid Impact in the City

Aerial Picture of Adelaide strategic plan

In 2021, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) was founded with a mission to drive growth and resilience in the city. Fast forward to now, the fourth anniversary of AEDA's inception, the Agency has become a powerhouse for economic recovery and development. From dining vouchers to attracting investment, creating iconic events like ADL Fashion Week and fostering business connections, AEDA has delivered initiatives that have directly boosted jobs, retail activity, and visitor numbers.

Read about AEDA's achievements 


Help Your Business Kick Goals as part of 2025 AFL Gather Round

AFL GATHER ROUND

Take advantage of increased city visitation during the 2025 AFL Gather Round—from Thursday, 10 April to Sunday, 13 April—by signing up for a complementary promotional pack from the AFL to dress your venue. The packs are thoughtfully designed with vibrant, footy-themed decorations to create an exciting and engaging vibe for your patrons. In 2024, Gather Round attracted 265,000 fans, including more than 45,000 interstate visitors, contributing more than $91 million into the state's economy. The South Australian Tourism Commission has further information available here.

See the EOI


Secure up to $250,000 in Grant Funding to Support Small and Family Businesses

Business SA Coffloysophy 1

Help small businesses build fundamental knowledge and skills across areas such as financial management, strategic planning and marketing by applying to be a part of the Small Business Fundamentals Program. Support providers can apply for grants of up to $250,000 to deliver programs for small and family businesses, as well as social enterprises. Applications close on 28 February 2025 at 5:00 pm.

Learn more


Improve Accessibility for Your Business

CONSIDERED image Blend ACC 1

Businesses can access up to $10,000 in funding, as well as a 1:1 session with Flare Access consultants, through the City of Adelaide's Business Accessibility Support Program (BASP). Eligible businesses will benefit from personalised action plans and have access to workshops designed to enhance physical, digital and service accessibility. Applications close Friday, 24 January. 

Apply for the Grant Now


Data at Your Fingertips: Make the Most Out of AEDA's Interactive Dashboards

BI23 015 Data After Dark Website Hero 1

Businesses across Adelaide can get the latest data about the city’s economy by using AEDA’s interactive dashboards. The dashboards, which aim to help users with their business decisions, cover a range of areas including shopfront vacancies, industry insights, city user demographics, economic indicators and forward hotel occupancy.

Learn more


Steve Maras at the Helm of AEDA Board

Steve headshot 23

Adelaide property sector leader Steve Maras is now at the helm of AEDA, with plans to bolster business activity and support CBD precincts across Adelaide. Mr Maras, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ebenezer Place-based company Maras Group, takes the reins from businesswoman Nikki Govan following her four-year tenure.

Read more


Call for Market Stallholders During Adelaide Fringe

The circle First Nations Mini Makers Market

Renew Adelaide, an AEDA Strategic Partner, is calling for stall holders to be part of its Adelaide Fringe time Market at the Lion Arts Factory Courtyard on Saturday 15 March. Stallholders in areas such as ceramics, art prints, jewellery, floristry, candles and food retail are encouraged to apply, as are hospitality operators and creative workshop facilitators. The Renew Adelaide Market is supported by the City of Adelaide City Activation Program.

Register here


How AEDA is Helping Hospitality and Tourism Thrive

Fringe east end dining friends hospitality

From morning coffee to lunchbreak sandos, city workers and visitors have a choice of almost 1000 hospitality and tourism spots in the CBD to choose from. AEDA offers tailored, confidential support for new, existing and relocating businesses looking to call the city home.

Read more


Rundle Mall is Open This Australia Day Public Holiday

Sephora Rundle Mall

Take advantage of your public holiday on Monday, 27 January, and head to Rundle Mall, which will be open from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Lunar New Year celebrations follow on Friday, 31 January 2025 with exciting live lion dances, prizes to win and a sea of enchanting lanterns lighting up the Mall.

Learn more