Apply now for a Small Business Growth Grant - Entrepreneurs wanted

October 2025

Do you own a small business in PAE? We are here to support your growth. Through our Small Business Growth Grant, we are offering $1,000 to $5,000 to help you expand into new markets, diversify your offering, and integrate digital technology. Find out more

Feeling unsure about how to write a strong grant application? Join our free business event on Friday 31 October at the Parks Library, where you will learn practical tips for a successful grant application. Register now

Events

Food Business Best Practice and Attracting Customers

If you have recently started a food business or taken over an existing one, join us on Wednesday 5 November at the Lights Community and Sports Centre for a free business event. Learn best practices for running a food business and discover how to market effectively online. Register now

Office for Small and Family Business support meetings
PAE businesses can book a one-on-one appointment with a Business Support Officer from the Office for Small and Family Business on Tuesday 21 October at Port Adelaide Civic Centre. These 45-minute sessions will help you understand government support services, discover grant opportunities, and receive practical tools to grow your business. Only six spots available! Book here

Premier’s Food & Beverage Industry Awards Gala Dinner

Celebrate SA’s world-class food and beverage sector at the Gala Dinner on Friday 14 November at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Get your ticket

First Nations Business Showcase

Discover how First Nations businesses can meet your supply needs at the 2025 First Nations Business Showcase on Tuesday 14 October at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, proudly presented by The Circle – First Nations Entrepreneur Hub. Register now

North West Business Alliance Breakfast

Join local business owners and professionals over breakfast on Thursday 20 November at Portobello Kitchen and Bar to learn about psycho-social safety in the workplace. Enjoy friendly networking and take the mic for 2 minutes to promote your business. Purchase your tickets

Boost Your Digital Visibility Masterclass

Tourism business owners can join the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse Masterclass on Tuesday 14 October at Apex Park Community Facility to optimise your ATDW profile and boost digital visibility. Purchase your tickets

Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program

Are you a PAE resident aged 18+ wanting to start or grow a business?

Five local entrepreneurs can receive a Council subsidy to join this nine-month program, delivered by the South Australian Business Chamber, for just $500 (normally $1,500).

send us an email to learn more.

Business Support

Cruise Season Offering – Last Chance

If your business is in Port Adelaide or Semaphore, make the most of the 2025–26 cruise season by offering exclusive deals. Learn more about this opportunity and submit your offer by Friday 3 October through this online form

Listing Your Event on PAE Website

Do you have a local event that you would like to be promoted on the PAE Council website? Simply fill out this online form, and we will review it within 2 to 3 business days. Once approved, your event will be published on our Events page. Events must occur within the City of PAE and open to the general public.

Supply goods or services to PAE Council

The City of PAE uses the VendorPanel eProcurement platform for purchases and procurement. For current opportunities, please visit SA Tenders and Contracts

Green Business Incentive Scheme

Running a business comes with rising costs, the City of PAE is here to help. The Green Business Incentive Scheme provides funding to help small to medium businesses like yours reduce energy bills, improve efficiency, and invest in emissions reduction. Apply now

Advancing Tourism Business Coaching Program

The Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA) offers up to 4 hours of personalised coaching for micro, small, and family-owned tourism businesses. Sessions cost $50 for TiCSA members and $90 for non-members. Apply here

Defence Industry Leadership Program

Applications are open for the 2026 Defence Industry Leadership Program - Australia’s premier program for aspiring leaders in the Defence industry. This 9-month program will equip you with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the complex defence environment. Apply here

News

PAE Business Events

Recognise any of the above guests at our Small Business Week Event, held at Yitpi Yartapuultiku on 25 September? It was a powerful session which gave the more than 40 businesses owners and operators a chance to connect and reflect. Our August and September Business Events were the biggest and best yet. Thank you to everyone who attended - your participation made these sessions a great success. If you have any ideas for future topics or suggestions on how we can make our business events even more valuable, please email us.

Nunga Week

We celebrate and share First Nations culture during Nunga Week from Sunday 9 to Saturday 15 November. Look for details on our website closer to the time and keep an eye out for activities and events at Yitpi Yartapuultiku.

Semaphore Street Fair

Enjoy stalls, food, entertainment, and family fun at the Kate Smith Property Semaphore Street Fair on Sunday 30 November. Find out more

Nick Blight Hospitality & Tourism Awards

Congratulations to Port River Cruises and the Colac Port Adelaide, winners of Best Tourism Experience and Best Food Venue at the 2025 Nick Blight Hospitality and Tourism Awards. The City of PAE proudly sponsors these Awards each year and we are delighted to see these two local businesses recognised with top honours. A special shout out to Yarn Trader, winner of the North West Business Alliance Community Awards - Small Business of the Year.

Local Business Wins National Award

Congratulations to Galipo Foods, SA’s leading foodservice distributor in Dry Creek, for winning National Distributor of the Year and SA Distributor of the Year at the FSAA National Awards of Excellence. A fantastic achievement for this family-owned business and their 200+ employees.

What’s on in PAE

The Spring 2025 edition of PAE Today is now available, read it online here

We are seeking nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards. Take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of volunteers and community groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the community. Nominations are open until Sunday 9 November. Find out more.

Visit our website to learn more about doing business in PAE

Visit City of PAE website

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