There is a real difference between hearing about opportunities once they are released and being part of the conversation as they are shaped and knowing how to respond. The Back of the Napkin Lunches sit firmly in that space, where councils, government, major projects and businesses come together to talk openly about what is coming up and how to get involved.
Across South Australia, these lunches are building momentum because they are practical, grounded and focused on outcomes. They are not about polished presentations or long speeches, but about creating the right environment for honest conversations, useful insights and immediate connections that can lead somewhere.
Delivered in partnership with The Circle, Workforce BluePrint and Sea to Valley Startups, the lunches bring together a mix of people who do not always get the chance to meet. That includes First Nations businesses, local SMEs, councils, state and federal representatives, major projects and supply chain partners, all sharing information in a way that is direct and accessible.
The format is one of the reasons they work so well. Instead of businesses trying to pitch themselves into the room, the approach is flipped. Councils, agencies and projects take the lead and outline what is happening, what they are looking for and where businesses can fit. In locations such as Port Pirie, Southern Adelaide including Onkaparinga and Western Adelaide with the City of Charles Sturt, this creates a clearer pathway into opportunities that might otherwise feel difficult to access.
There is a natural flow to each session that moves from context into action, without losing the relaxed and social feel that makes conversations easier.
- the room is set up to encourage early connections, with time to arrive, settle in and start conversations before anything formal begins
- reverse pitches from councils, government and major projects provide a clear picture of upcoming work, procurement processes and who to connect with next
- a First Nations business or contractor shares a story or two of how they have navigated supply chains, offering practical insight rather than theory
- the second half of the session opens into facilitated conversations where introductions are made, ideas are explored and next steps are identified
It is often during that final hour that the real value emerges. People find themselves in conversations they would not normally have, with the mix of decision-makers, collaborators and support organisations around them. Notes are taken, sometimes quite literally on napkins, and follow-up meetings are organised on the spot. It is informal, but it is also highly intentional.
The timing of these lunches is important. There is significant activity across South Australia in areas such as infrastructure, energy, construction, tourism and community development, alongside local council initiatives and broader government programs. Many businesses are looking to grow or diversify, and there is capability in the market, but connection remains a challenge. These lunches respond to that directly by making opportunities visible earlier and creating space for relationships to form around them.
There is also a strong focus on inclusive participation, particularly through the involvement of The Circle, which connects more than 475 First Nations businesses and contractors across the state. This ensures that conversations about procurement and supply chains are not just about opportunity in theory, but about real pathways for diverse businesses to engage and grow.
Three lunches are currently scheduled, each with a local focus and a mix of speakers, councils and project representatives relevant to that region.
Port Pirie
Back of the Napkin Lunch Full of Business Opportunities - Port Pirie
Southern Adelaide
Back of the Napkin Lunch Full of Business Opportunities - Southern Adelaide
Western Adelaide
Back of the Napkin Lunch Full of Business Opportunities - Western Adelaide
Each session runs from 12.00 to 2.00 pm and is designed to be accessible, welcoming and worth the time away from your business.
For many who attend, the benefit is not just what is heard on the day, but what happens afterwards. It is the follow-up conversation, the introduction that leads to a new piece of work, or the clearer understanding of how to position your business for upcoming opportunities.
At its core, the Back of the Napkin Lunch is a simple idea done well. Bring the right people together, share what matters, and create the conditions for action. In a busy and often complex business environment, that simplicity is exactly what makes it effective.