Your City Business, December 2025
The Adelaide Economic Development Agency's (AEDA) latest City Business newsletter gives you information and resources to support your business.
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Australian startups will come together for a day of immersive learning and community development at PRECINCT, a new addition to the SOUTHSTART festival backed by AEDA. From deep conversations to spontaneous collaboration, the founder-led program gives entrepreneurs a chance to swap stories, test ideas and gain feedback to support business success. The launch of PRECINCT builds on the momentum of the 2025 Startup Muster Report, which recognises Adelaide as Australia’s leading city for entrepreneurs who believe local and state government support not only meets but exceeds their expectations.
The city's next job surge will be propelled by its thriving healthcare, construction, and professional, scientific and technical services sectors, according to new figures presented at AEDA’s recent Data4Lunch session. Presenters included Jordon Tomopoulos (AEDA), Scott Philp (Department of State Development) and Jane Johnston (StudyAdelaide).
Boost your business' online presence in the new year by submitting a listing on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW). Tourism and hospitality businesses can reach a broader consumer audience by applying to have their details listed on the portal. Approved submissions could appear on leading tourism websites, including Experience Adelaide. Listings are complimentary.
Major winter attractions—like Illuminate Adelaide and a vibrant sporting calendar—have helped maintain city spending, with the latest AEDA Activity Report showing strong performance in July and September. Public transport patronage has also grown, while parking transactions surpassed last year’s numbers.
Adelaide offers a dynamic ecosystem of co-working spaces designed to empower businesses at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. From meeting spaces and offices to podcasting studios—start the new year by securing a space in the city, without the stress of expensive leases and overheads.
AEDA is working closely with Hort Connections to support the delivery of its Australian trade show from 1–4 June 2026. The event will bring an estimated 4,500 delegates and 430 exhibitors to the city, with an economic impact of more than $15 million. The event will be a catalyst for investment, connecting global suppliers, growers, researchers and innovators with South Australia’s horticulture, agritech and food sectors.
Early-stage founders and ambitious entrepreneurs are turning bold ideas into reality thanks to the ThincSeed Accelerator Program, an initiative funded through the AEDA Strategic Partnerships Program. Startups are propelled to success through ThincSeed, which is run by University of Adelaide incubator ThincLab, to break down barriers to investment.
Qantas will open a city office in March 2026, creating more than 420 technology jobs over the next three years. The new Product Innovation Centre will play a pivotal role in delivering seamless, cutting-edge digital experiences for the millions of travellers who choose the airline each year. Jobs include product managers, digital experience designers, software engineers, and data and AI specialists.
AEDA Strategic Partner MTPConnect, which forges stronger connections between life sciences research and industry, released a 2025 Celebration Reel at its APPLAUSE25 event. It highlights achievements such as collaborations, funding success, groundbreaking trials and upgraded facilities, all reflecting an ecosystem moving confidently into the future. Watch below
Hotel revenue in the city continues to rise, according to new AEDA data, as more tourists book accommodation well in advance to secure holiday plans in Adelaide. According to AEDA’s latest Visitor Economy Report, hotel room revenue increased 15 per cent, up from $86.45 million in Q3 2024 to $101.7 million in Q3 2025.