Local grant winners announced
Congratulations to the nine recipients of this year’s Business Initiatives Grants. From enhancing cellar door customer service in Langhorne Creek to helping a new play café in Port Elliot tell its story, these projects reflect the creativity and drive of Alexandrina’s business community.
Each year, Council provides grants of up to $2,500 to support small business improvement projects that help local enterprises grow, innovate, and contribute to our regional economy. For 2025/26, a total of $20,000 was awarded to the following businesses and organisations:
Strathalbyn Tourism Association – $2,500
To boost digital marketing capabilities, volunteers will work with specialists to improve online resources and build skills in campaign development, keyword optimisation, and social media management. The project will enhance promotion of Strathalbyn’s annual tourism events and strengthen the region’s online visibility.
Grommets Play Cafe – $2,500
In development in Port Elliot, Grommets will be a new children’s play café focused on inclusive, enriching experiences for families. The grant supports the production of a promotional video and marketing materials to build awareness, attract partners, and share the café’s mission with the community.
Middleton Tavern – $1,050
With recent renovations and a unique rooftop deck and beer garden, Middleton Tavern is becoming a destination venue. The grant will fund professional photography to showcase the venue and its menu across digital platforms, enhancing its online presence and drawing more visitors to Middleton.
Away at Ancell – Mini Moments at Ancell Acres – $2,500
This rural tourism business is expanding guest experiences with animal encounters like breakfast with Highland cows. The grant supports professional photography, website development, and digital marketing to promote these offerings and grow their online footprint.
Kuti Shack – $2,500
Located in an iconic coastal setting, Kuti Shack is investing in a new website and social media strategy to better reflect its brand and connect with new customers. The project includes updated photography, improved booking integration, and support from a local designer to build a stronger online presence.
Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine Inc. – $2,500
To support cellar door staff across the region, Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine will host a full-day customer service and sales training session. The initiative aims to strengthen hospitality skills ahead of the busy summer season, helping local wineries deliver exceptional visitor experiences.
Lake Breeze Wines – $2,300
Lake Breeze will engage professional photographers and videographers to create a suite of visual assets showcasing their winery, vineyard, and accommodation. These materials will refresh their website and social media, support regional tourism campaigns, and help attract new visitors to Langhorne Creek.
Bremerton Wines – $2,500
Bremerton is developing a video portfolio and digital library to tell the story of their wines, people, and place. The project includes drone footage and seasonal imagery to educate and inspire audiences locally and globally, promoting Langhorne Creek as a world-class wine destination.
Advanced Seeds Australia – Dog Lake Farm Veggie Baskets – $1,650
Dog Lake Farm is launching a new line of veggie baskets featuring fresh produce, herbs, and gourmet items grown locally. The grant will help develop marketing materials, product labels, and a refreshed website to support the launch and promote sustainable farming in Langhorne Creek.
“Our grants program helps our community deliver our shared vision to make Alexandrina Liveable. Green. Connected.,” said Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.
“These grants also assist our endeavours to meet the objectives of our A2040 Strategic Delivery Plan.”