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, and expertly facilitated by Scott Perry and Wendy, a baker’s dozen of local business owners came together to tackle real challenges, build momentum, and supercharge ideas in a collaborative, high-energy setting.
The event was designed not just as a workshop, but as a practical, hands-on growth hack - a space where entrepreneurs could get real work done, test ideas, pinpoint opportunities, and walk away with actionable strategies to grow their businesses.
From Ideas to Action - A Day of Collaboration
Growth hacks are all about rapid iteration, collaboration, and momentum. Over two days, participants worked through their business challenges with peers, shared insights, and leveraged collective expertise to find solutions they might never have reached on their own. The focus wasn’t on theory, it was about doing, testing, and moving forward.
With a mix of seasoned locals and emerging founders gathering around shared tables, the atmosphere was enthusiastic - full of curiosity, generosity, and a strong sense of community. Folks didn’t just come to listen; they came to build, create, and take the next step.
Facilitation That Makes a Difference
A standout feature of the Wallaroo Growth Hack was the facilitation by Scott Perry. With experience in guiding business conversations and steering groups toward outcomes, Scott managed to balance structure with flexibility, ensuring that each participant got practical insights without the rigidity that can stifle creativity.
Participants have since shared how invaluable this hands-on, guided approach was, particularly in helping them break through barriers and get clear on next steps.
Community Champions, Supporters and Partners
Events like this don’t happen in isolation. Big thanks go to:
- Copper Coast Council whose backing helped bring the event to life on the Copper Coast, reinforcing their commitment to local business growth and innovation.
- Regional Tech Hub connecting regional business owners with innovation support, tech insights, and networks that extend beyond the event itself.
Together, these supporters helped ensure the event was free, accessible, and deeply rooted in local economic development.
LinkedIn Buzz - Real Feedback from Real Business Owners
We’re always grateful when participants then share their experience publicly, and the LinkedIn reactions and comments following the event reflected a genuine appreciation for what was achieved.
“I had a great couple of days attending the Regional Business Innovation Growth Hack in Wallaroo on Thursday and Friday. It was fantastic to catch up with likeminded small business owners and startups to get some great insights and it was a great chance to network.
Scott delivered excellent and engaging sessions, full of practical insights, and thank you Wendy for running through her list of must have admin tools she uses. It was a great opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
I’m also very grateful to Wendy for giving me the opportunity to present some information on AI and AI Integration during the Friday session. I really appreciated the chance to share practical ideas on how small businesses can start using AI to improve workflows, save time, and create new opportunities for growth.
A big thank you to you and the Sea to Valley Startups team for running such a valuable initiative for regional businesses.”
#business #Wallaroo #GrowthHack #AI #RegionalBusiness
Copper Coast Council Scott Perry Sea to Valley Startups Wendy Perry
This kind of feedback, where participants publicly celebrate what they have gained, says a lot about the impact of peer learning environments, especially when local businesses work shoulder-to-shoulder with shared focus and intent.
Why Growth Hacks Matter in Regional Australia
Regional business owners often juggle multiple roles at once, from operations to marketing, finance to customer service. Growth hacks like this offer a rare chance to step back, reflect, experiment, and grow alongside others facing similar challenges.
Sea to Valley Startups exists to back regional founders with practical advice, trusted networks and real opportunities. The Wallaroo Growth Hack demonstrated again that when local business owners gather with the right support, strong ideas emerge and businesses grow stronger together.
What’s Next? Keep the Momentum Going
If you missed the Wallaroo Growth Hack — don’t worry! There’s a whole calendar of workshops, coworking days, networking lunches, and innovation sessions rolling out across regional South Australia in 2026. These events are designed to keep the conversation going, the ideas flowing, and regional businesses advancing.
To stay updated and be part of the next growth-focused session, check our Events page and register early s these opportunities fill up fast!
All current events and registrations can be found via the Sea to Valley Startups Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/49443225703.