City SME Growth Program – Request for Proposal
Help Shape the Future of Adelaide's Small Business Community
The Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) is seeking an experienced organisation, or organisations to design and deliver the City SME Growth Program, a new business capability initiative supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the City of Adelaide and North Adelaide.
With a total program investment of $307,000, this initiative will provide tailored business support to approximately 30 growth-focused SMEs, helping them strengthen capability, improve productivity, increase employment and unlock new opportunities for expansion.
We are looking for providers with a proven track record in business growth, mentoring, leadership development and SME capability building to deliver a high-impact program that generates measurable economic outcomes for Adelaide's business community.
About the Program
Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Adelaide's economy, contributing to employment, innovation, investment and the vibrancy of the city. The City SME Growth Program has been established to support ambitious businesses that are ready to grow but may require additional capability, strategic guidance or specialist expertise to reach the next stage of their development.
The successful provider will design and deliver a contemporary, evidence-based program that equips participating businesses with the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve sustainable growth. The program is expected to support approximately 30 eligible SMEs located within the City of Adelaide and North Adelaide.
Program Objectives
The City SME Growth Program aims to:
- Build the capability of Adelaide's SMEs to grow sustainably.
- Strengthen leadership, strategic planning and commercial capability.
- Support businesses to increase revenue, productivity and employment.
- Assist businesses to identify and pursue new growth opportunities.
- Contribute to the long-term economic growth and competitiveness of the City of Adelaide.
Who Should Apply?
AEDA welcomes proposals from organisations with demonstrated expertise in delivering business growth and capability programs, including:
- Business advisory organisations
- Industry associations
- Professional services firms
- Innovation and entrepreneurship organisations
- Universities and research institutions
- Business accelerators and incubators
- Training providers
- Collaborative partnerships and consortiums
Applicants may submit a proposal for one or both of the following participant streams:
Segment One – SMEs operating within:
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Night-time economy
Segment Two – SMEs operating across all other industry sectors.
Scope of Services
The successful provider(s) will be responsible for the end-to-end design and delivery of the program, including:
- Program design and curriculum development
- Participant recruitment and assessment
- Delivery of workshops, mentoring, coaching and business support
- Monitoring participant progress
- Measuring program outcomes
- Reporting throughout the program and following completion
Innovative delivery models and partnerships are encouraged where they strengthen participant outcomes and provide value for money.
Funding
AEDA has allocated $307,000 (GST exclusive, as applicable) for delivery of the City SME Growth Program. Applicants should provide a detailed methodology, pricing schedule and evaluation framework as part of their submission.
Key Dates:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Request for Proposal Opens | Friday 14 August 2026 |
| Applications Close | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Evaluation | Mid-September 2026 |
| Provider(s) Appointed | End-September 2026 |
| Program Delivery Commences | November 2026 (TBC) |
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the AEDA SmartyGrants portal below:
Before applying, please download and read the City SME Growth Program Request for Proposal, which outlines:
- Program objectives
- Scope of services
- Proposal requirements
- Evaluation criteria
- Project timeline
- Budget information
- Conditions of the procurement process
Late applications may not be accepted.
Applications close at 5.00 pm (ACST) on Sunday, 6 September 2026.
Enquiries
For further information regarding this Request for Proposal, please contact:
