Business Support
Businesses in the Mount Barker District have access to a range of business associations that can provide advice, support and advocacy services.
For a range of information, networks and business support agencies download our Find Your Success booklet.
Agribusiness Support Program
The Agribusiness Support Program was launched by Council in June 2022 and is supported by the Australian Government. The program will support agricultural business by sharing knowledge and best practice, supporting new projects and providing grant funding opportunities.
The program hosts quarterly events on relevant topics to agriculture in the district, the first two events were held in June and September, with the next event scheduled for 23 May 2023. If you would like to attend the May event - register via Eventbrite. The grant round has a total funding pool of $65k and will be launched during the May event. Eligible business will be able to apply for funding to test, trial and experiment with new products, services or technology to increase the productivity of their agribusiness.
The two year program is delivered by Council through the Strategic Projects and Economic Development Team and is supported by a $110k grant from the Australian Government.
- Agribusiness Support Grant Agribusiness Support Grant
- Hills and Coast Grant Finder Hills and Coast Grant Finder
Applications for the Agribusiness Support Grant are now closed.
The Agribusiness Support Grant program aims to support the productivity and growth of agricultural businesses and build resilience, especially those impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires.
Agribusiness Support Grant guidelines
| Applications open | 23 May 2023 |
| Applications close | 30 June 2023 |
| Assessment of applications | July 2023 |
| Expected notification | end of July 2023 |
| Progress report required by | 31 December 2023 |
| Grant to be acquitted by | 31 March 2024 |
The Agribusiness Support Grant is part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Mount Barker District Council.
Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island along with participating councils across the region have introduced the Hills & Coast Grant Finder to help individuals, businesses, community groups, sports clubs and other not-for-profits source and apply for grant funding opportunities.
The site provides a comprehensive list of available grant and funding opportunities and is a free service. Visit www.rdahc.grantguru.com.au
Support Services
Adelaide Hills Tourism (AHT) contributes to a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry in the
Adelaide Hills through leadership, representation, information sharing and strategic projects. AHT aims to increase the number of visitors to the region, their expenditure while in the region, their length of stay and return visitation. Increased visitor numbers and spending are key to the on-going sustainability of the region's tourism businesses and jobs growth.
The AHT region is defined by the South Australian Tourism Commission as the geographical area covering the local government areas of Adelaide Hills Council and Mount Barker District Council. AHT receives primary funding from both councils with further funding and support from the South Australian Tourism Commission.
AHT is an independent regional tourism organisation constituted as an Incorporated Association. Its committee meets monthly and comprises tourism industry representatives as well as representatives from the two councils and other related industry sectors.
For further information please contact: info@visitadelaidehills.com.au
The Mt Barker Business Group (MBBG) is a group of business owners that meet every
fortnight to help each other by using the referral and networking system. The best form of advertising for any business is word of mouth.
MBBG supports local Adelaide Hills businesses to promote and refer each others business and to ensure that consumer dollars are spent locally.
The MBBG vision is to maintain and increase business and trade in the hills where it benefits both local businesses and the wider community.
For more details, contact:
Rachelle Barlow
Chairman
rachelle.barlow@stroudhomes.com.au
Mt Barker Business Group: http://mbbg.com.au/
The Hahndorf Business and Tourism Association provides support, advice and professional
development opportunities for businesses in Hahndorf and surrounds. For further information about the association contact:
Jordana O'Sullivan
Chair, Hahndorf Business and Tourism Association
jordana@beyondink.com.au
Links:
- Procurement Policy
- SA Business Information Hub: business.sa.gov.au
- Office of the Small Business Commissioner: www.sasbc.sa.gov.au
- Mainstreet SA: www.mainstreetsa.com.au