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There is a lot you miss when you drive straight through a regional town, which is why I have been deliberately getting off the highway, exploring roads I have not travelled before, walking main streets, buying from independent businesses and sitting down with people to

August is shaping up to be a busy month, with the Sea to Valley Startups Road Trip heading across the Barossa Valley, Kapunda, Moonta, Kadina, Port Pirie, Mallala, Two Wells, Melrose, Booleroo, Jamestown and Peterborough. Regional South Australia is full of people building businesses, creating

For many small business owners, it is easy to become focused on the next customer, the next invoice or the next job. Day-to-day operations naturally demand attention. However, taking time to understand what is happening across the wider regional economy can reveal opportunities that are

The most dangerous assumption you can make as a regional business owner or solo operator is that “startups” only happen in capital cities. When people hear the words startup, incubator, ecosystem, or fully funded business support, they tend to only picture a high-tech app developer

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

On 19–20 February 2026, Wallaroo Sailing Club became the creative hub for regional entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners at the FREE Regional Business Innovation Growth Hack hosted by Sea to Valley Startups. With support from the Copper Coast Council and Regional Tech Hub,

Networking is often described as “just turning up”, but the reality for founders, freelancers, creatives and small business owners is far more strategic. The most effective networking happens in niches, places where industry, place and purpose overlap. For people building businesses across regional South Australia,

In 2026, Sea to Valley Startups is opening the door to new and existing partners to collaborate on a full calendar of regional events, sessions and workshops. This includes coworking days, growth hacks, Back of the Napkin lunches, business led conversations, one on one sessions,

There is something about the YP and stunning Stansbury that makes conversations flow more easily. Maybe it is the coastline, maybe it is the close-knit nature of Yorke Peninsula communities, or maybe it is the way local businesses genuinely show up for each other. All

The Back of the Napkin Lunch in Kapunda brought together around fifty people from across the Light region for a relaxed, idea-driven networking event hosted by Sea to Valley Startups with support from the Light Regional Council and Regional Tech Hub. Held at the Sir

The algal bloom along parts of South Australia’s coast is creating serious ripple effects – not just environmental stress, but economic pain for regional businesses. Whether you operate in tourism, hospitality, fisheries, supply chains or coastal retail, there’s a real need to manage immediate downturns

At Sea to Valley Startups, we love seeing small business owners in the Self-Employment Assistance Program not only build their own businesses but also support each other’s success. That’s exactly what happened when we introduced Joe Barritt of JB Wines and Jak Mostyn-Povey of Red Bridge Marketing —

Thinking about starting a business? This short quiz will help you assess whether now is the right time, and what areas you might need to strengthen before taking the plunge. Score yourself honestly and total your points at the end! 1. Do you have a

A campaign pushing for new Independent Contractors has concluded with an information and networking session that not only attracted a full house, but also inspired people to discover why being and IC is “more than just a job” but a field worth working in –

Today, the Food Bowl Industry Innovation Tour brought together businesses, educators, employment service providers, government, and industry leaders for an immersive journey across one of South Australia’s innovative agribusiness regions — the Adelaide Plains. This booked-out tour connected key stakeholders with agrifood innovation hotspots, highlighting

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

South Australia’s wide-open spaces, strong digital infrastructure, and focus on key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and technology create fertile ground for remote work. Residents can enjoy a fulfilling career while staying connected to their communities and the state’s vibrant industries. With much of the

Starting a business in Australia, whether in food, retail, services, trades or any other industry, is an exciting venture. However, there are essential steps and regulations you need to follow to ensure your business operates legally and successfully. This guide will walk you through the

In business today, staying competitive means embracing tools and technologies that streamline operations and boost productivity. Yet, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and even larger organisations hesitate to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and modern tech into their workflows, potentially missing out on cost-effective solutions

At the Weroona Hotel, Wallaroo, South Australia, on Friday, November 29, Sea To Valley Startups held a gathering for small businesses in the Yorke Peninsula area. The focus was on networking and advice across a variety of topics for those who attended. Under Scott Perry’s

For many small businesses and SMEs, maintaining a consistent flow of work can be one of the toughest challenges. Between delivering services, managing operations, and finding time for business development, it’s easy for gaps in your pipeline to emerge-leaving you scrambling for the next opportunity

The Back of the Napkin Networking Lunch, hosted by Sea to Valley Startups, Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains, and Light Regional Council, was an incredible success in Greenock, Barossa Valley. The event, aimed at supporting regional businesses, initially expected around 25 attendees.

On a crisp evening in Port Pirie, the community gathered for an event that would weave together the past, present, and future of local business. The Port Pirie’s Past & Future: Business Tales and Networking Event, held at Boylan Lawyers, was a resounding success, bringing

With over 20 years of experience in running her own business, Abbie stands out as a solid business coach, guiding small businesses across diverse fields such as administration, lifestyle management services, cleaning, gardening and handyman services, retail and online businesses, among many others. Her extensive

Running a small business is no easy feat, and having the right mentor can make all the difference. Meet Scott Perry, Founder ACE Speaking & Pitching, Inventor & Investor; MC, Pitch & Public Speaking Coach & Mentor; Speaker & Trainer; Entrepreneurship Enabler, Switch Start Scale;

Starting a new business is an exciting venture, but it can also be daunting. As a new business owner, it’s crucial to focus on key aspects that will help your business thrive. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate this aspect of your

We probably say this every year but it does feel like this year is flying by… Hence sending you this email with all the business events in 1 spot to consider for yourself, your business friends, family members, clients and colleagues, especially as we are

In the diverse world of business startups, from tourism and recreation to care, education, and beyond, the key to success often lies in one critical phase: testing and validating your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). But when your MVP is an experience — be it an

Introduction: The Winning Formula for Startup Success Entrepreneurship is a journey fraught with challenges, yet filled with opportunities. At Sea to Valley Startups, the proven path to success involves a blend of expert coaching, strategic action, and relentless learning. This post delves into the practical,

Creating vibrant Communities of Practice (CoPs) that evolve into Communities of Innovation requires an understanding of their foundational elements and a commitment to fostering an environment where every member can contribute, participate, and innovate. Drawing from “A Guide to Managing Knowledge: Cultivating Communities of Practice”

Welcome to the Nifty Fifties Wendy! Have a smashing day! All the best, Danielle of Mandala Tribal Belly Dance 😊 Hi Wendy, Have a fabulous 50th birthday, indulge and enjoy, you deserve it. Cheers, Jenny Redshaw Happy Birthday Wendy! Wishing you a fun-filled and fantastic 50th! All the

Greetings Local Businesses and those with Business Ideas There’s an exciting opportunity coming up for you and your business. The Port Pirie Power-Up: Propel Your Business & Personal Progress is an experience to get stuff done that you won’t want to miss. Here’s why: Knowledge

I don’t know about you, but we find that spring can influence your outlook and decision-making as a business owner and someone with lots of ideas.  A more optimistic mindset, renewed energy, fresh ideas and innovative thinking, increased productivity, and a focus on getting stuff

August 2023 Inspiring Business Stories – AUKUS & Export, Events & Sport + Networking Tuesday, 1 Aug 2023 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM ACST The Lady Daly Hotel 126 Port Rd Hindmarsh, SA 5007 Register here   Women in Business Networking Event – 2 August

Sea to Valley Startups organised the “Regional Innovation Reverse Pitch Night & Networking Event” on the 29th of May 2023 to bring together diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship. By flipping the traditional pitch night format and focusing on challenges presented

Aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike understand the power of connections and continuous learning in driving business success. That’s why events dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and acquiring new knowledge are invaluable resources on the entrepreneurial journey. “Founders in the Forest” was one such meticulously crafted

In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly looking for ways to increase their productivity and streamline their operations.  With the rise of mobile technology, many businesses are turning to mobile apps to help them achieve their goals. However, there are three factors to be considered

The Yorke Peninsula is a stunning and diverse region located in South Australia, known for its beautiful coastlines, picturesque towns, and friendly locals.  In anticipation of the year ahead, Cooper Trails Bike Hire alongside Sea to Valley Startups recently hosted an event to bring together

The Set Yourself Up for Success in the New Financial Year event on Friday afternoon at the Cove Business Hub saw a number of aspiring and current business owners come together in a relaxed setting to hear about services that can help you. From Self-Employment

Seems like things are flying towards the end of the financial year where the wild and woolly weather is a metaphor of there being so much on over June and into July 2022. What are you getting involved in, hosting and/or going along to? 07

Pitching to customers and selling online requires a different skillset to face-to-face. There’s an art to selling online. The great news is, it can be learned. With ‘Zooming’ being a popular thing because of COVID, we’ve had to adapt to communicating, interacting, pitching and selling

Turning a side project into a full-fledged business is an optimistic dream that’s viable with passion and determination. You might work a full-time job but you’re looking for a creative outlet, especially in isolation. Maybe your circumstances have changed and you want to take ownership

Facebook is a powerful medium, well beyond it’s ‘social media channel’ identity. It’s becoming a hybrid media outlet, replacing traditional means with a personally curated ‘news’ scroll. Networking in Facebook Groups, watching exclusive Lives and webinars, and using Reviews in decision making. It’s a constantly-changing

To say the past few weeks have been challenging is a massive understatement. Businesses have ended, projects stopped, and bookings have vanished. Few industries are immune from the dual economic-health crisis, with small businesses, self-employed and start-ups getting hit hard. But in the midst of