We drive economic growth, offer free business advice and support major developments in the City of PAE. Keep reading to explore business opportunities, to stay informed via the PAE business newsletter and to access networks, grants and tenders.
We support businesses of all shapes and sizes
The City of Port Adelaide Enfield has a strong employment base that supports over 82,000 jobs across more than 11,000 businesses. We increase business and employment opportunities in our area by creating a thriving, competitive and sustainable business and tourism environment that adds value to the community.
Our City Vision 2024–34 focuses on diversifying the economy and supporting and recognising business initiatives that create local employment. We build strong and effective linkages between the community, local businesses, and education and training providers.
We recently engaged with the business community on our draft Prosperous Economy Strategy (PES) and Economic Development Plan (EDP) 2025-29, which was developed following Council’s endorsement of our new City Vision earlier this year. Discover these documents and stay up to date here.
Our economic profile
The City of PAE economic profile highlights our strengths and shows you what opportunities there are for development. This information comes from official sources, including the Australian Bureau of Statistics and leading economic modeller NIEIR.
Local insights
- Gross Regional Product: $10.90 billion
- Population: 135,844
- Employed residents: 68,263
- Local jobs: 82,487
- Local businesses: 11,111
- Largest industry by employment: Manufacturing
How we support businesses
Our Economic Development team members are here to help you set up a new business, grow your business or bring an existing business to the City of PAE. You can call our Business Advisors on 8405 6600 to access a free, confidential service that includes advice on:
- Starting and growing your business
- Meeting industry compliance requirements
- Hiring and managing staff, including accessing job subsidies
- Seeking assistance with leasing, relocation, and financial hardship
- Attending local business training seminars and workshops to help you upskill
- Getting leads and customers
- Improving your marketing
Working closely with the local business community, our Economic Development team can give you:
- Access to supply chain networks and business resources
- Mentoring with industry professionals from the Adelaide Business Hub
- Referrals to professionals such as accountants, lawyers, trademark attorneys, insurance brokers, digital marketers and HR advisors
- Connections to the right City of PAE information and staff
We can also help you access grants, subsidies and other government assistance, including from the City of PAE.
PAE Business Events
The City of PAE partners to deliver business events that bring together our business community and create opportunities for local businesses to connect, learn and grow. Whether you are new to the business world or want to grow your existing business, you will find something to support you and your business at our events. Details of future opportunities will be added to this page in early 2025.
Our program of past events has included:
Small Business Week
Small Business Week is returning to South Australia from 22 to 26 September2025 .
We are proud to host a free session for PAE Businesses called Ready, Connect, Collaborate on Thursday 25 September as part of Small Business Week 2025.
This event is designed to help small businesses strengthen the way they communicate their value proposition and build meaningful connections. Through guided activities and discussion, attendees will learn to identify opportunities for collaboration and develop strategies for working effectively with potential partners.
The session will feature guest speaker Gary Edwards, who will share expert insights on persuasive communication and building strong business relationships. With a unique background as a courtroom lawyer, hostage negotiator, and magician, Gary brings a rare perspective on influence, change, sales, and leadership. His expertise in communication, negotiation, and the psychology of decision-making will equip attendees with practical tools to build trust, manage relationships, and create win-win outcomes.
And don't forget to explore the full program on the Small Business Week website
New developments in the City of PAE
With high confidence in our local economy, businesses are investing strongly in commercial and housing developments.
- Rydges Hotel is a six storey development with 180 rooms, restaurant and bar, retail space and car parking
- The Marine and Harbours Hotel is a retro boutique hotel and part of the Kite development at Dock 1, with 150 guest rooms and 10 floating river suites
- The Quest 2 hotel on the Port Adelaide riverfront will be completed in the next two years
- The Colac Hotel’s development is already underway and will deliver two distilleries, retail space, restaurants, an entertainment venue and apartments
- Renewal SA and Kite’s pedestrian footbridge at Dock 1 is estimated to be completed in 2025
- The Ginos Group has started development on The Globe Hotel, a hospitality venue with three ground floor tenancies for retail or food and beverage
- The Port Adelaide Rail line extension is expected to be completed during 2024
- Yitpi Yartapuultiku is a new Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Port Adelaide, scheduled for completion in 2025
- The State Sports Park at Gepps Cross will be an accessible, green, connected sports, recreation and mixed-use park, and will include a new State Centre of Football and an extension to the Super Drome
Fletcher’s Slip – Cedar Woods
- Harbourside and waterfront living between Port Adelaide and Semaphore Beach
- 500 two- and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments
- Waterfront apartments
Dock 1 – Kite Projects
- Waterside living in Port Adelaide
- 750 townhouses and apartments
- Retro boutique hotel
- Promenade reserves and park links
Fort Largs – Peet
- Apartments and land in Largs Bay
- Beachfront, ocean view, park view and heritage homes
- Beachside estate offering 335 dwellings
Blair Athol Redevelopment – South Australian Housing Authority (SAHA)
- Urban renewal of old SAHA stock to include redevelopment of over 200 allotments
- Estimated $23.5 million investment
Oakden Redevelopment – Villawood Properties/Renewal SA
- Master-planned development north of Oakden on over 52ha of land
- Around 1,500 homes and a Residents’ Club, retail and commercial facilities and 8ha of open space
- Development will take approximately 10 years to construct and the Residents’ Club is anticipated to be completed in early 2026
Industry groups and associations
Why join an industry group?
Join an industry group to get networking opportunities, as well as to have access to knowledge and resources, professional development, advocacy support and enhanced credibility. You’ll position your business for growth, collaboration and long-term success.
There are plenty of groups and associations, so if you need help connecting with one that covers your industry, speak to a Business Advisor on 8405 6600.
To get you started, three of the major industry groups are:
- The South Australian Business Chamber – across 19 sectors
- Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA) – for tourism
- Australian Industry Group (AI Group) – for defence, manufacturing, energy, waste and circular economy, as well as building and construction
In addition to industry groups, the Australian Government Business website offers a comprehensive list of webinars, events and training that are available to business owners either free or at low cost.
Tenders and contracts
Planning to supply goods or services to governments?
The City of PAE, along with state and federal governments, uses the VendorPanel eProcurement platform for purchases and procurement. The platform offers suppliers a quick and easy way to submit quotes and proposals.
Sign up to receive the City of PAE business newsletter
PAE Business is an email newsletter we send every two months that gives you the information you need to successfully run your business. Visit our Subscribe page and make sure to select the Business list
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