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 John Franklin Hotel, the event attracted local business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and innovators eager to share ideas, explore opportunities, and connect with others doing great work in the region.
One participant summed up the feeling of the day perfectly: “Made the most of this great opportunity today, to meet and network with people from a variety of backgrounds in our hometown.”
The event captured what these lunches are all about – informal, friendly networking that leads to real conversations, practical problem-solving, and future collaborations. Ideas often start small, sometimes literally scribbled on the back of a napkin, and this event provided the perfect setting for those first sparks to turn into action.
The Light Regional Council team, including Gemma Holmes and Mayor Bill Close, were there to support local businesses and share how the council’s economic development focus continues to build opportunities for local enterprise and investment. You can learn more about business programs and local support at light.sa.gov.au.
Also attending was Dr Laura from Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains, who highlighted the B2B Support Program, offering free and tailored business advice to help local companies strengthen their operations and identify new growth opportunities. Travis Bates, Regional Development and Engagement Manager at NBN Local SA, spoke about regional connectivity and how better digital infrastructure continues to unlock new opportunities for innovation, home-based work, and remote business.
Regional Tech Hub’s work was also highlighted, providing guidance and troubleshooting for businesses and residents to improve internet connectivity and digital access across rural and regional Australia. For anyone struggling with connectivity or technology, the Regional Tech Hub is an independent, government-funded service that helps bridge the digital divide. Find out more at regionaltechhub.org.au.
Kapunda and surrounding towns are home to a mix of established enterprises and growing small businesses. Among those at the lunch were Belivnu Equestrian, offering equestrian experiences and training in a picturesque setting; The Starlings Nest Art Classes and Workshops, bringing creativity and community together through hands-on learning; Systematech IT Consulting, helping businesses manage digital systems and technology with confidence; and Gilberdale, known for regeneratively raised Australian White Lamb produced right here in the region. These are just a few examples of local businesses driving innovation, community engagement, and sustainable practice across the Light area.
Sea to Valley Startups facilitator Wendy Perry shared how the Self-Employment Assistance Program provides free business mentoring and hands-on support for anyone starting or growing a business across northern South Australia, from Gawler to Melrose, the Barossa and Clare Valleys, Kapunda, and all the way to the Copper Coast and Yorke Peninsula. Services include free business advice, Get Stuff Done sessions, and even a free business plan done for you. Limited places are available until the end of 2025, and bookings can be made by emailing admin@seatovalleystartups.com.au.
Several upcoming events continue the same spirit of collaboration, including the Back of the Napkin Lunch at the Cornucopia Hotel in Wallaroo on 6 November, followed by Regional Business Innovation Growth Hacks in Wallaroo and Freeling later in November, and another Back of the Napkin Lunch at the Dalrymple Hotel, Stansbury. These events are free to attend, with details and registration available at Sea to Valley Startups on Eventbrite.
Anyone wishing to book time directly with Wendy Perry can reach her via wendy@seatovalleystartups.com.au. Wendy also leads Workforce BluePrint, which has operated for more than 23 years in 32 countries, and Switch Start Scale, which has been supporting entrepreneurs for over six years.
The Kapunda lunch was a reminder that innovation doesn’t just happen in big cities. Regional South Australia is alive with energy, fresh thinking, and collaboration, and events like this prove that when people get together with open minds and a shared purpose, great things can happen.
If you took photos or videos from the lunch, share them on social media and tag the people and organisations involved. It’s one small way to help celebrate what makes our region special and inspire more people to get involved in building the future of the Light region.