City SME Growth Program – Request for Proposal
About the Opportunity
The Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) is seeking proposals from experienced organisations to design and deliver the City SME Growth Program. The program will support approximately 30 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located within the City of Adelaide and North Adelaide to build capability, increase profitability, grow employment and strengthen long-term business performance. AEDA is seeking innovative, evidence-based proposals that deliver measurable economic outcomes and support Adelaide's economic growth.
Subject to the applications received, AEDA may appoint multiple providers. Applicants should nominate a realistic SME participant target that reflects the scale of their proposed program, delivery capacity and recruitment approach, and reflect this in their proposed budget.
Funding Available
Total project budget: $307,000 (GST exclusive, as applicable). AEDA may appoint one or multiple providers. Value for money will form part of the assessment process.
Who Should Apply?
Applications are invited from organisations with demonstrated experience in:
- Business capability development
- SME growth programs
- Business mentoring and coaching
- Leadership development
- Business advisory services
- Innovation and entrepreneurship programs
Partnerships and consortium applications are encouraged where they strengthen program delivery.
Scope of Services
The successful provider(s) will be responsible for:
- Designing the program
- Recruiting participants
- Assessing participant eligibility
- Delivering workshops, mentoring and other business support
- Monitoring participant progress
- Evaluating program outcomes
- Reporting at program completion and 6, 12 and 18 months following completion
Further details are provided in the Request for Proposal document.
Key Dates
- RFP Opens - Friday, 14 August 2026
- Applications Close - 5pm Sunday, 6 September 2026
- Evaluation - Mid September 2026
- Contract Award - End September 2026
- Participant recruitment - October 2026 (TBC)
- Program Commences - November 2026 (TBC)
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Demonstrated experience delivering SME growth programs - 25%
- Understanding of Adelaide SME opportunities and challenges - 15%
- Quality and innovation of the proposed methodology - 30%
- Monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework - 15%
- Value for money - 15%
Supporting Documents
Please read the following document before commencing your application: City SME Growth Program – Request for Proposal (RFP)
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