Running a small business in regional South Australia often means wearing a lot of hats—bookkeeper, marketer, service provider, and visionary. But what if there were smarter, more supported ways to diversify your income, expand your reach, and get things off your to-do list, without doing it all alone?
That’s exactly what the THRIVE approach is all about. Whether you're based in a small town or rural area, or working from a regional hub, THRIVE gives you a practical framework to look at what you already know and do—and unlock new income streams, attract different audiences, and even scale your business beyond your backyard.
Originally created with agriculture businesses in mind, THRIVE now supports all kinds of small businesses across the region: from makers and creatives to service-based entrepreneurs, tourism operators, producers, and tradies.
What is THRIVE?
THRIVE stands for:
- T – Tourism
- H – Hospitality
- R – Regeneration
- I – Innovation
- V – Value-Add
- E – Experiences
Let’s break it down with real, relatable examples and ideas that you can act on today.
T – Tourism
Can people come and see what you do or how you do it?
People are curious. Whether you're roasting coffee, welding art, growing veggies, or brewing beer, there’s a story there. Consider open days, tours, behind-the-scenes videos, or collaborations with local tour operators. Maybe it’s a weekend farm stay, art workshop, or hands-on cooking class.
Local Suggestion: A Yorke Peninsula honey producer hosting beekeeping tours and sells out every event.
H – Hospitality
Could your space or skills lend themselves to hosting?
You might not run a restaurant, but could you host events, offer tastings, or rent out your shed, garden, or hall for micro-events? What about a monthly ‘long table lunch’ using local produce, or seasonal pop-up experiences?
Local Idea: A ceramicist in the Mid North pairs pottery workshops with grazing boards and wine from a nearby vineyard.
R – Regeneration
What sustainable practices could you turn into a feature, not just a footnote?
If you’re composting, growing your own ingredients, using solar, or reducing waste—share that story. It could help secure grants, attract eco-conscious customers, and add value to your brand.
Pro Tip: Green credentials can open doors to new markets—like corporate clients, schools, or events looking for ethical suppliers.
I – Innovation
What knowledge, tools, or systems could you use in a new way—or share with others?
Do you know how to set up an online store, run events, manage a busy calendar, or build something with your hands? Package that into an offer: training sessions, digital downloads, kits, or mentoring.
Real Expansion: A baker in the Clare Valley could create a "Bake at Home" bread kit—sold in regional stores.
V – Value-Add
Can you create a second income stream using what you already have?
This could mean turning your process into a product. For example, a vineyard could bottle vinaigrettes; a yoga instructor could sell downloadable guided meditations; a welder could produce fire pits for sale.
Think: Gift packs, recipe cards, DIY kits, workshops, templates, eBooks—whatever turns your know-how into a product.
E – Experiences
What can people feel, try, or do with you?
People want more than products—they want connection. Could you offer a one-off workshop, a retreat, a seasonal event, or even a virtual experience people can tune into from anywhere?
Add-On: Bundle your experience with someone else’s—like cheese tasting with painting, or gardening with cooking.
Checklist
Use this checklist to explore new ways to expand your income, reach more people, and grow your business using what you already know. Tick off what you've done—and circle what you’d like support with!
T – Tourism
☐ Offer a behind-the-scenes tour of your business
☐ Create a farm stay or artist retreat experience
☐ Host seasonal events (e.g. spring open day, harvest picnic)
☐ Partner with local tourism operators or visitor centres
☐ List your offering on tourism websites and booking platforms
H – Hospitality
☐ Run long-table lunches or grazing events using local produce
☐ Offer tastings, high teas, or themed nights
☐ Rent out your space for micro-events or workshops
☐ Collaborate with caterers, musicians, or mobile bars
☐ Create ready-made hampers or takeaway packs
R – Regeneration
☐ Introduce or promote eco-friendly practices (composting, solar, recycling)
☐ Apply for sustainability or environmental grants
☐ Highlight your green efforts in marketing and packaging
☐ Start or join a regional circular economy initiative
☐ Offer workshops or talks on regenerative techniques
I – Innovation
☐ Trial a new product or service
☐ Use tech (like drones, AI, or apps) to improve efficiency
☐ Package your knowledge into templates, courses, or eBooks
☐ Start a side-hustle aligned with your expertise
☐ Collaborate on R&D or innovation with other businesses
V – Value-Add
☐ Turn existing produce or materials into a new product
☐ Develop bundles or gift packs
☐ Sell branded merchandise or handmade accessories
☐ Add new packaging or branding to existing offers
☐ License your designs or recipes
E – Experiences
☐ Run hands-on workshops (craft, cooking, wellness, etc.)
☐ Offer virtual experiences or online classes
☐ Host a “day in the life” session for school groups or tourists
☐ Create a signature experience unique to your region
☐ Bundle your experience with another local operator’s service
Get Free Help to Make It Happen
Now here’s the best part: you don’t have to do this alone.
Sea to Valley Startups can help you turn your ideas into action—with free business support, tools, services, and even funding opportunities.
Here’s what’s on offer (and it’s too good to miss):
Book an initial chat to check your eligibility for free business support and funding.
Access free services like admin help, content creation, event planning, graphic design, presentation prep, social media support, and website updates.
Book a business advice session, and we’ll help you scope out what you're eligible for and even help tick things off your ‘to do’ list.
Whether you want to update your marketing, create a new product, build your brand, or launch a tourism or training offer—there’s likely free help available, and we’ll show you how to get it.
Let’s THRIVE Together
Every small business in regional SA has something special to offer. You don’t need to start from scratch—you just need to look at what you already know and do, then turn it into something more.
Ready to find out what’s possible?
Book your free business session today and let’s make a plan to help you THRIVE.
https://seatovalleystartups.com.au/services/initial-15-minute-phone-chat/
Don’t miss out on potential free funding and support available to you and your business. 
Let’s get those ideas out of your head and into the world!