High-Growth Business

In addition to the general program eligibility applicants must:

• Have a current ABN within City of Charles Sturt
• Have been operating for a minimum of 12 months
• Be at a distinct stage of growth, ready to scale with a growth mindset and seeking to expand and employ more people.
• Ideally employ between 5 and 11 FTEs* (applications outside this range will be assessed individually).
• Have an annual business gross revenue of over $450k
• Be able to commit to a structured program over several months.
• Demonstrate a clear growth trajectory (e.g. turnover, contracts, pipeline, innovation).
• Be able to clearly outline the support needed and how it will benefit the business to adapt, innovate and grow
• Not have any outstanding debts with the City of Charles Sturt
• Only one application is permitted per business owner/group
• Applicants will only be funded for a maximum of two consecutive years. Applicants who have not received funding in the previous financial year will be given a higher priority

• Develop a fully formed, well-considered growth plan for the next 2–3 years.
• Strengthen leadership and governance capability.
• Expand into new markets, products, or supply chains.
• Build resilience and competitiveness.
• Create new employment opportunities.
• Be better prepared for capital raising or private investment.
• Contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Charles Sturt.

High Growth Businesses  
Up to $5,000 plus GST is available for businesses in key growth sectors that create job opportunities and increase productivity.

• A higher co-investment may be required where a business seeks access to premium programs.

Examples of how businesses could use a specialist advisor:

Work with our partners:

• Australian Centre for Business Growth – Growth Ramp Program (business contribution $3,250).
• EO Adelaide – selective peer network for founders with turnover >$450,000.

Scholarships with the Business Chamber are also available and can be accessed via the following link.

Other Support Pathways

• Export/Trade – targeting international growth
• Finance/Investment – investor-readiness programs or accelerating commercialisation
• Innovation – Factory of the Future
• Specialist consultants – will be assessed individually

Case Studies

Australian Green Clean Case Study

NDE Solutions Case Study

• Advice to businesses outside the City of Charles Sturt
• Home based businesses (exceptions may be considered where clear scale-up potential is demonstrated, e.g. tech or export-oriented startups).
• General operating expenses or overheads
• Retrospective projects
• Projects or initiatives previously funded by Council

Please provide a copy of your rates notice, utility bill, lease agreement, certificate of title showing evidence that your businesses is located at the address.

Applications will be assessed against the following:

• Growth potential – evidence of scaling readiness and projected impact.
• Job creation – capacity to generate new local employment.
• Innovation and adaptability – ability to respond to changing market conditions.
• Sector alignment – contribution to priority sectors (advanced manufacturing, defence, creative industries, health, clean tech, visitor economy etc.).
• Sustainability and inclusivity – efforts towards circular economy, net zero transition, inclusive employment, or diversity in leadership.
• Co-investment – willingness to contribute financially or in-kind.