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Sunset view of the Port Adelaide waterfront featuring a boat on the far left side partially out of frame.

The two 12-month programs will give existing and emerging businesses the opportunity to apply for a share of more than $270,000.

Port Business Makers Grant Program

Under the Port Business Makers Grant Program, grants of up to $10,000 will be available for existing businesses and property owners, and new entrepreneurs to help cover the costs of small scale projects.

Eligible projects will include façade improvements such as painting works, establishing outdoor dining, bollards or building compliance work such as noise, safety and access projects.

The first round of the Port Business Makers Grant Program is now open with further rounds to be offered in both 2018–19 and 2019–20.

Business Support Program

The Business Support Program is designed to assist new businesses to become established and help existing businesses grow, with support and mentoring through the Adelaide Business Hub. The program will be limited to ten eligible businesses each financial year and delivered over the next three years.

The grants will be based on a co-contribution model and will encourage further private investment in the Port.

Labor Minister for Housing and Urban Development, The Hon Stephen Mullighan, noted: “The state government’s massive investment in the Port has already seen a dramatic transformation of the area with new businesses flourishing and more people coming to live, work and visit the area.

“The potential of this unique and historic maritime precinct is catching the eye of business makers and entrepreneurs and the state Labor government wants to do everything we can to encourage that interest and transform it into more jobs and more investment in the Port.”

These programs are modelled on the highly successful City Makers Grant Program in the Adelaide CBD, which has supported 63 local businesses and entrepreneurs to the value of $550,000.

The Port Adelaide Precinct Plan identifies potential investment in the Port of more than $1 billion, including about 2000 new homes, more than 350 construction jobs a year and up to 2000 ongoing jobs. This includes more than $280 million of private investment in more than 21 hectares of residential, commercial and tourism developments on the waterfront in the inner harbour.

“Jobs are the state Labor government’s number one priority and these programs will not only support existing workers but will also help to grow jobs in the Port by enabling businesses to grow or new start-up to get off the ground.” – Labor Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Stephen Mullighan

Other projects and activation programs include:

  • Winterfest, which attracted more than 57,000 people over 10 days in July 2017
  • the Wonderwalls Festival, which attracted more than 15,000 people over one weekend in April 2017
  • moving 500 public servants to work in the Port in a new commercial building, under construction at Nile Street
  • development of the Hart’s Mill precinct and playground
  • refurbishment of the Flour Shed and Packing Shed spaces at Hart’s Mill for community and exhibition use
  • new car parking and street upgrades to St Vincent Street and Commercial Road
  • façade upgrades of historical buildings including the Waterside Workers Hall, the Visitor Information Centre and Customs House
  • restoration of the Birkenhead Bridge
  • a new cycling and walking loop path around Inner Harbour
  • a new beach at Cruikshank’s Corner
  • new ‘pocket parks’ around the Inner Harbour
  • assisting new businesses start in existing buildings with discounted rent
  • the purchase of Incitec Pivot site and moving fertiliser storage out of the Port
  • an investment to preserve the tall ships including the One and All and the Falie
  • supporting the Laneway Festival.
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