Department for State Development
Supporting small business on the path to net zero
Small businesses make up 98 per cent of South Australian enterprises, yet many report uncertainty about where to start with sustainability. In 2024, the South Australian Government launched two major initiatives to support this vital sector. Through the Small Business Sustainability Program, workshops and assessments led by 2XE are helping businesses understand their carbon footprint and implement practical, long-term changes.
At the same time, the Business Growth Fund’s Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants delivered over $24 million to more than 1,030 businesses and not-for-profits, supporting upgrades like solar and energy-efficient equipment. For many, including seafood restaurant Secrets by the Sea, the results have been transformative - cutting energy costs and improving resilience. Together, these programs are helping local businesses take confident steps toward a low-emissions future.
Small Business Sustainability Program
Small businesses will be critical in the state’s transition to a Net Zero future, however, when surveyed in 2022, respondents reported difficulty understanding how to make environmental sustainability part of their everyday business, or how to begin measuring their carbon footprint, let alone take steps to reduce it.
In 2024, the Government of South Australia, through the Office for Small and Family Business, partnered with South Australian company 2XE Pty Ltd to help small and family businesses improve their environmental sustainability and implement sustainable business practices. Part of the new Small Business Sustainability Program, 2XE is now delivering workshops for small businesses to give them the tools to adapt, grow and succeed in a net zero future.
Stage 2 of the program sees small businesses undertake a business sustainability assessment to establish where they’re at now, identify emission reduction opportunities and develop an action plan for implementation.
Business Growth Fund Round 2: Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants
Occurring in tandem with the Small Business Sustainability Program above, Round 2 of the South Australian Government’s Business Growth Fund (BGF) saw $20 million committed to Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants. This initial funding cap was removed as a result of a higher-than-expected number of quality applications.
Matched funding could be used to support small businesses and not-for-profit organisations to invest in energy efficient equipment or improvements to reduce and manage energy use and costs.
Applications were open from August – November 2024, with grants from $2,500 to a maximum of $50,000 on offer. In total, more than 1,030 small businesses have shared in $24 million worth of grants.
For example, owner of Henley Beach seafood restaurant Secrets by the Sea, Robert Leopardi, expects to save nearly $15,000 in power bills annually thanks to installing solar panels with battery storage through this grants scheme.
“The grant and the solar and battery installation have been a game changer for us. Electricity costs are a major pressure point for restaurants, and this solution has given us more control over our expenses. The ability to store and use our own solar power means we’re less exposed to rising energy prices, and we’ve already seen a noticeable reduction in our monthly bills," Mr Leopardi said.
Similarly, 48 Flavours gelateria at Trinity Gardens will receive $50,000 towards a $103,000 investment in more energy efficient heating, cooling and refrigeration, with a potential energy savings of up to $33,350 per year, alongside increased productivity benefits.
A third round of the Business Growth Fund has recently closed. Small and medium sized businesses, and not-for-profits were able to apply for a Powering Business Grant to invest in upgrades that reduce energy use and costs.
Grants were available across two streams:
- Stream 1: Solar and battery projects – to install solar with battery storage to generate and store power.
- Stream 2: Energy efficiency projects – to upgrade equipment or infrastructure (like lighting, refrigeration or insulation) to reduce energy use.
The South Australian Government is covering half the total project cost, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $75,000.
Please note that the information provided has been submitted by the organisation and has not been independently verified.
