Engaging with Business
Council’s Economic Development and Tourism team is committed to helping local business to create opportunities for growth and prosperity in the Shoalhaven region. Whether businesses are looking to relocate, start, or expand their business, Council offers a comprehensive suite of services to support the journey. Council is dedicated to attracting investment, connecting local businesses to opportunities, including training and grant options. Our goal is to foster a thriving business environment which focuses on building and supporting strong business networks to ensure the Shoalhaven continues to be a vibrant place for enterprise.
The Business Partnership Program
The Business Partnership Program allows Shoalhaven organisations to tender for the opportunity to partner with Shoalhaven City Council in the delivery of workshops, information sessions, networking events, industry showcases, awards and recognition events. Council seeks to partner with external organisations that can support the delivery of events, projects and programs that proactively drive economic development opportunities for the Shoalhaven.
Program Objectives
The Business Partnership Program will provide various streams of funding for local organisations to deliver workshops, information sessions, mentoring programs, events or forums that celebrate and create new opportunities for Shoalhaven Businesses.
Through this funding program, Council aims to:
- Leverage partnership opportunities and drive economic growth
- Support trade shows, events, conferences and promote opportunities for Shoalhaven businesses
- Communicate economic development issues
- Collaborate with industry and government
- Highlight and showcase entrepreneurialism and capacity building for local business
- Provide business support services
- Target and deliver business training and upskilling initiatives
- Support workforce attraction initiatives, mentoring programs, and enhancing local pathways from education to employment.
Keep an eye on the Grants Page for more grant opportunities.
Program Guidelines - 2025/2026
To apply you must meet the following criteria set out in the Guidelines.
The Program provides various streams of funding for local organisations to deliver workshops, information sessions, mentoring programs, industry showcases, awards, networking events and forums that celebrate, develop, grow and create new opportunities for Shoalhaven businesses.
There will be four streams of funding for the 2025/26 financial year including:
- $15,000 for Business Networking
- $20,000 for Business Development and Training
- $10,000 for Workforce Attraction and Employment; and
- $25,000 for Business Excellence/Awards
The first round of this funding allows applications to come in up until 28 September 2025. All received applications will be assessed, with an aim to announce the outcome by the end of November 2025.
If you are eligible and wish to apply, please complete the application form and follow instructions to submit by the due date.
Successful Applicants FY-24/25
Successful applicants and projects for the FY-24/25 are listed below:
- Dairy NSW
- Project: Inside Dairy – Explore, Learn, and Experience NSW Farming
- Shoalhaven Food Network
- Project: Linking the Shoalhaven Hospitality Industry 2025
- Shoalhaven Business Chamber
- Project: Woman in Business Networking
- Project: Business Development Program
- Project: 40th Shoalhaven Business Awards
- South Coast Beef Producers Association
- Project: School Steer Spectacular 2025
For more information, please click here.
