South Australian small businesses looking to take their next big step could soon have a helping hand, with the State Government investing another $1.8 million to help local companies break into international markets.
The Malinauskas Government has partnered with the SA Business Chamber to expand its Growth Accelerator Program, doubling its existing support to a total of $3.6 million over the next four years.
The expanded program will build on the existing initiative, which helps small and medium-sized businesses scale, strengthen their resilience and grow through workshops, mentoring and practical tools.
It will now include tailored support specifically designed to help businesses start exporting, including growth and export planning, mentoring, networking opportunities and workshops to develop and put export strategies into action.
The funding comes as South Australia records its strongest-ever goods export result, with the state selling a record $18.5 billion worth of goods overseas in the year to June 2026.
South Australia’s exports grew by 11.4 per cent over the year, significantly outpacing the national growth rate of 4.1 per cent.
For local businesses, the expanded Growth Accelerator Program is designed to make the jump into international markets a little less daunting.
One South Australian business already benefiting from the program is The Wristband Co., a family-owned identification solutions company based in Kent Town.
The company supplies custom wristbands, lanyards, ID products and event identification solutions to businesses and organisations across Australia, with its products also reaching international customers in Europe and New Zealand.
Director Laura Sayer said, “The Growth Accelerator Program has given me the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and think more strategically about the next stage of growth for The Wristband Co., including the potential to grow our presence in international markets.
“Having access to experienced mentors and practical advice through the program has been incredibly valuable in helping us turn our ambitions into a clear growth strategy.”
Minister for State Development Chris Picton added, “Our state’s exports have reached a record-breaking $18.5 billion, proving that more than ever South Australia has what the world wants.
“Through this initiative, our government is doubling down on empowering small and medium businesses to grow and take the next step in their business journeys.
“Taking the leap to reach global markets can be daunting, so we are partnering with the SA Business Chamber to support these businesses to make that move with confidence.”
For The Wristband Co., the opportunity comes as South Australia’s booming major events industry creates new opportunities for locally owned businesses.
“The growth of major events here in South Australia has created some fantastic opportunities for our business, and it’s exciting to see locally owned companies being able to play a part in events of that scale,” said Laura.
Applications for the expanded Growth Accelerator Program are now open.
