Registrations have opened for a series of regional events designed to bring small and family business owners across South Australia into closer contact with advice, government programs and local support services.
The Connect, Learn and Network series will run from May through to July 2026, visiting the Riverland, Murraylands, Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North, Barossa, Eyre Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.
Business owners attending will be able to meet local support officers and speak with organisations and other operators in their area. The sessions are designed to make it easier for people running businesses in regional communities to access information without needing to travel long distances or step away from day-to-day operations for extended periods.
Topics on offer include business planning, grants, dispute resolution, exporting, mental health and wellbeing, sustainability, artificial intelligence capability, and support pathways for women in business. Additional assistance will be available in regions affected by drought or algal bloom impacts, with Rural Business Support and Regional Development Australia providing financial counselling, mentoring, business planning guidance and help with grant applications.
South Australia is home to more than 160,000 small businesses, with 37,995 based in regional areas. These businesses play a central role in local employment, supply chains and day-to-day economic activity across towns and districts.
The State Government’s $25.2 million Small Business Strategy 2023 to 2030 is aimed at strengthening capability and confidence among small and family businesses through targeted programs and services. Since 2023, more than 18,600 participants have taken part in support initiatives, including over 4,600 women engaged through the $8 million Women in Business Program.
The series will begin on Wednesday 27 May in Loxton and Murray Bridge before continuing across regional communities through to July. Events are being delivered by the Office for Small and Family Business, with details and registrations available via business.sa.gov.au/regional-events.
Regional Small Business Minister Nadia Clancy said small businesses remain closely tied to the strength of local communities across South Australia.
“Regional small businesses play a critical role in South Australia’s economy, creating local jobs, supporting supply chains and sustaining the services communities rely on,” she said.
She noted that time and distance can make it harder for business owners in regional areas to access support when they need it.
“We know business owners are busy, and in many regional communities it’s not always easy to step away, nor practical to travel to seek support or advice,” she said.
“That’s why we’re bringing government programs, practical business information and local support services together across South Australia, so business owners can get clear information, make the right connections and find support to help them start, develop and grow.”
Nadia Clancy said she is looking forward to meeting business owners during the series and hearing directly about opportunities and challenges facing regional industries.
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