Workshops
Designed to help business owners grow their skills.Southern Business Mentoring Workshop Program
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthen the local business community, the Southern Business Mentoring Program now has extended benefits through the Small Business Fundamentals Grant, made possible through the backing of South Australia’s Small Business Strategy.
In collaboration with City of Marion, City of Onkaparinga, and City of Holdfast Bay, the Southern Business Mentoring Program has already made a significant impact by offering businesses free mentoring and business coaching.
With this funding boost, Southern Adelaide businesses now have access to subsidised business workshops, designed to increase skills across a range of topics.
Businesses eager to benefit from the extended Southern Business Mentoring Program can access subsidised appointments following their initial free apppointment by making a booking through the 1:1 mentoring page.
The Southern Business Mentoring Program Extension Service is an initiative of the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.
Upcoming Workshops
Tenders and Grants Workshop with Kendall Richardson
9.30am to 12.30pm, McLaren Vale Fleurieu Visitor Centre
Join SBMP Mentor, Kendall Richardson for an engaging and practical Tenders & Grants Workshop.
Join us for an engaging and practical Tenders & Grants Workshop, facilitated by Kendall Richardson, where you’ll learn the essential skills to navigate the world of tendering and grants. Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or entrepreneur, understanding how to write compelling tenders and grant applications is crucial for securing financial support. In this workshop, you’ll discover:
✅ The key differences between tenders and grants
✅ How to identify the right opportunities for your business or organisation
✅ Essential tips for crafting strong applications that stand out
✅ Common mistakes to avoid in the submission process
✅ Strategies to improve your success rate
This interactive session is perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their approach to funding applications. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights and set yourself up for success!
Secure your spot today and take the first step toward winning more tenders and grants!
Cold weather warm profits – Planning for retail and hospitality
5.30pm – 7.30pm, Tuesday 20 May, Glenelg
Join SBMP Retail Mentor, Joanna Arhontis for a workshop on planning for the winter for retail and hospitality businesses.
Are you looking for ideas to attract customers to your hospitality or retail space during the coming cooler months? Does your profit margin drop dramatically in winter? Would you like some creative and surefire ideas to help engage customers’ interest during this time? If so, this workshop is for you!
In this workshop, participants will explore strategies to enhance customer engagement and boost sales during the winter season. Key topics include creating a warm, inviting atmosphere to attract and retain customers, utilising digital marketing to share compelling winter-themed narratives, promoting online shopping through various marketing channels, effectively gathering customer data for targeted marketing efforts, and collaborating with suppliers and stakeholders for financial support and in-store events.
Negotiating your space – Retail and Commercial Leases
9.30am-12.30pm, Tuesday 17 June 2025, McLaren Vale
Join SBMP Retail Mentor, Joanna Arhontis for a workshop on negotiating lease agreements and renewals.
In this workshop, participants will gain essential insights into commercial leasing, including understanding different lease structures such as gross and net leases, and their implications for business operations. Attendees will learn to interpret lease terms, assess renewal options, and comprehend how lease outgoings can affect profit margins. The workshop will also cover identifying any council or governmental restrictions on property use to ensure business compatibility. Additionally, participants will develop negotiation skills, emphasizing the importance of strategic requests. By the end of the session, attendees will have an actionable plan for securing a new lease or renewing an existing one that aligns with their business needs.
