Your City Business, October 2026

Your monthly update from the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), featuring business news, opportunities and upcoming events for Adelaide city businesses.

Stay informed with the latest initiatives, funding opportunities and industry updates from across Adelaide's business community.

Current Opportunities

Explore opportunities available to Adelaide city businesses, including participation opportunities, activations, programs and upcoming initiatives. Select an opportunity below to find out more.

  • The City of Adelaide’s 2026/27 Community Grants Program supports community-led projects that bring people together, strengthen connections and create a more welcoming and inclusive city across Adelaide and North Adelaide.
  • Funding is available across Arts and Culture and Community Wellbeing, supporting initiatives such as public art, multicultural events, creative performances, community workshops and activities that encourage participation and celebrate Adelaide’s cultural diversity.
  • The Major Grants round offers $5,000 to $20,000 for eligible projects that demonstrate community benefit and collaboration with at least two local partners. Applicants must contribute 20% of the total project cost, with applications closing 23 October 2026.

Explore the grants and apply now

  • Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond returns from 30 April to 9 May 2027, and applications are now open for businesses and creatives across South Australia to join the Events Program.
  • Hosting an event is an opportunity to connect with an audience hungry for new flavours, ideas and adventures, share your story and become part of one of Australia’s longest-running culinary festivals.
  • The program is looking for events that celebrate the people, produce and places that make South Australia worth sharing — from the chefs, producers, winemakers, distillers, brewers and makers who shape our food and drink culture, to experiences that showcase quality local ingredients, beverages and the unique character of their region.
  • All events must take place in South Australia during the festival.
  • Applications close Tuesday 26 October 2026.

Find out more and apply

  • WOMADelaide returns to Adelaide’s Botanic Park from 5–8 March 2027, bringing together music, cultures, cuisines and creativity from around the world. Applications are now open for food, retail and display stallholders to be part of the festival.
  • Stallholders have the opportunity to showcase their products, share their stories and connect with thousands of festivalgoers in a vibrant celebration of global culture. From diverse food and beverage offerings to unique creations by local makers and not-for-profit organisations, WOMADelaide offers a platform for businesses and groups to reach new audiences.
  • Applications are open to catering, retail, pop-up retail and not-for-profit display stalls. A $50 application fee applies, with site fees and turnover-based charges varying by stall type.
  • Applications close Sunday 9 November 2026.

Find out more and apply

  • Businesses in Adelaide’s city centre may encounter people sleeping rough near their premises and be unsure how best to respond.
  • The City of Adelaide provides information on homelessness services, support organisations and referral pathways to help connect people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with appropriate assistance.
  • Businesses can access guidance on making a referral through Street Connect, contacting homelessness support services and finding organisations that provide practical assistance.
  • Find out more about the available services and support options through the City of Adelaide.

Find out more

  • Adelaide Fringe 2027 is inviting artists, producers and venues from South Australia, interstate and overseas to register events for next year’s festival.
  • As an open-access festival, Adelaide Fringe provides businesses and creative organisations with an opportunity to be part of one of Australia’s largest arts festivals, connect with audiences and support new and established work across the state.
  • In 2026, the festival featured 1,684 registered events across 562 venues, attracting more than 8,000 participants. Its Honey Pot program also generated more than $7 million through more than 450 touring deals and presentation opportunities.
  • Adelaide Fringe 2027 runs from 19 February to 21 March 2027.
  • Businesses and venues interested in participating can find information about registration, support and opportunities through Adelaide Fringe.

Learn more and register

  • The City of Adelaide’s Sustainability Incentives Scheme provides eligible businesses with cash back to make sustainable practices and technologies more accessible and affordable.
  • Incentives and rebates are available across a range of areas, including energy efficiency, solar and battery storage, electric vehicle charging, green waste diversion, water efficiency, thermal performance, green walls and roofs, and other sustainability improvements.
  • For larger projects, the Whole Building Approach can also provide support for professional advice and documentation, as well as bundled incentives to address multiple sustainability improvements across a building.
  • Businesses can explore available incentives, eligibility requirements and application information through the City of Adelaide.

Learn more

  • South Australian small and family businesses can access practical support to improve sustainability, reduce emissions and lower operating costs.
  • Delivered by 2XE, the Small Business Sustainability Support Program provides tailored advice to help businesses understand their environmental impact, improve efficiency and identify practical opportunities to make changes.
  • Businesses can access a one-on-one consultation with a sustainability adviser to explore opportunities specific to their operations, understand energy use and emissions, and identify actions to reduce costs and environmental impact.
  • Eligible businesses can also access a Business Sustainability Assessment at a subsidised cost of $500 + GST, helping them identify opportunities to reduce emissions and understand the potential return on investment.
  • Businesses can find out more about the program, eligibility and available support through the South Australian Government.

Learn more

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