Fueling Business Growth: AEDA Grant Helps Renew Adelaide Launches 45 New Ventures
Fresh energy and opportunities have sprung into the CBD’s bustling business scene thanks to a recipient of an Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) grant designed to boost activity in the city.
Renew Adelaide—a not-for-profit organisation that creates property opportunities for emerging businesses—successfully applied to be a part of AEDA’s Strategic Partnership Program in FY 2022.
Now, the Strategic Partnership Program: City Building Stream has opened again for 2025/26, with Renew Adelaide Chief Executive Gianna Murphy singing the program's praises.
She says the grant helped launch 45 small businesses, from cafes, small bars, studios and retail experiences, in vacant spaces in the city through its rent-free program.
"Thanks to the Strategic Partnership Program, Renew Adelaide has delivered some of the city’s most successful businesses over the years,” Ms Murphy says.
“With AEDA investment, we have seen the launch of 45 new businesses in the City of Adelaide since FY22, with a commitment to deliver on another 15 businesses this financial year.
“This strategic partnership signifies dedication from our local government to the economic success and cultural vibrancy of our city and we are proud to partner with AEDA."
Renew Adelaide has launched ventures including Frida Las Vegas (pictured above), Household, Vicious Ventures, Page & Turner and Cielo.
Other recent Strategic Partners, including Business Events Adelaide, Study Adelaide, and Festivals Adelaide, have significantly contributed to boosting economic activity in the city.
AEDA’s Strategic Partnership Program: City Building Stream aims to boost Adelaide's economic landscape by supporting initiatives that enhance the city's appeal to live, work, invest and play.
Up to $330,000 + GST per recipient, per financial year, is available to successful applicants that can show how their proposal can substantially increase economic activity.
These include initiatives that:
· Increase the number of people working and living in the city, including students
· Support existing businesses to grow and attract new firms
· Leverage investment in the city’s innovation assets to drive greater economic benefit for the CBD
· Position Adelaide as a world-class events city
· Drive tourism initiatives that attract regional, national, and international visitors
· Enhance the value proposition of Adelaide as a destination to work, invest, live, study, and visit.
AEDA General Manager Greg Ratsch says Renew Adelaide plays an important role in the city's economic landscape.
"It allows people to grow their business and explore their ideas," Mr Ratsch told the AEDA Annual General Meeting.
"Renew (Adelaide) works with entrepreneurs by matching them with vacant spaces (tenancies), and often people just look at the vacant space part of Renew's work.
"However, what is equally important are the...services (it provides) to assist (businesses)."
Applicants can receive funding from $75,000 up to $330,000 +GST.
Mr Ratsch says the Strategic Partnership Program: City Building Stream provides opportunities for AEDA to invest into organisations that increase the number of people in the city, foster innovation and support growth in Adelaide.
“We encourage organisations eager to make a substantial impact on the city’s economic landscape to apply for funding through this program,” Mr Ratsch says.
“The program provides financial assistance to help dynamic organisations increase the vibrancy and economic environment in the City.”
Learn more here.