Business sustainability grants

There’s no doubt that responsible travel is on the rise as consumers are looking to reduce their impact on the planet. Sustainable and eco-friendly travel is being sought after and it’s becoming expected that businesses are implementing a variety of green practices that take action on environmental, social, economic and ethical sustainability.

An opportunity is available to support South Australian businesses to undertake sustainability assessments, business case development and implement assessment recommendations.

Up to $15,000 per applicant is available from the Asset-Implement-Monitor (AIM) Grants

comprised of:

• up to $10,000 for an assessment – co-contribution 2:1 (GISA:Applicant)

• up to $5000 (1:1) to implement assessment recommendations that meet eligibility criteria

Find out more about the program and if you’re eligible here. The grant program will close on 20 March 2023.

Rammed earth walls at Ecopia Retreat, Kangaroo Island.

Image: @jennsomewhere

A grant could help you make an assessment of your business and identify some simple actions to improve your sustainability for instance:

·       Environmental improvements: water, energy, waste

·       Carbon offset programs

·       Providing bicycles, walking maps and information on public transport

·       Providing seasonal, local and plant-based products on your menus

·       Relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

·       Building community pride by actively promoting local crafts, artists and businesses

·       Providing clear walking trails in sensitive natural areas

·       Offering paperless tickets, vouchers or confirmations

·       Tourism Accreditation, Ecotourism Certification programs, or Sustainability Awards

·       Incorporating a sustainable procurement policy

If you’re looking for further help to start your sustainability journey  Eco Tourism Australia have launched the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard that is designed for all sectors of the tourism industry. The scorecard allows businesses to measure and assess their business following four pillars of sustainability.

Taking the time to explore improved sustainability can give you a new marketing tool that will allow you to promote to your customers your ongoing commitment to green / responsible travel.

Enquire with Alex Brown, Director to discuss your business planning or for grant writing.

support SA’s tourism and hospitality industry this summer.

2022 has started off not as we expected here in South Australia. After an already challenging two years for the tourism, hospitality and retail industries navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the Summer of 2021/2022 was looking positive for our visitor economy.

The reopening of borders and the arrival of the Omicron variant has seen a surge in case numbers causing government to place new restrictions on businesses during peak season. As a result, many businesses are reporting that they’re struggling to stay open and the relentless media coverage on daily case numbers is affecting consumer confidence.

There are so many businesses that need support right now. If you can - enjoy a coffee or a meal at an outdoor area, take away is also a great option as well as supporting small and independent stores.

If you are ready to venture out and try something new, here’s a bit of inspo in Adelaide and surrounds – and are on my list to visit this Summer:

• Dowie Doole Tasting Pod – gorgeous architecturally designed space set amongst their vineyards.

• Paxton Wines – enjoy organic and bio-dynamic wines at the outdoor seating and spacious lawn area.

• Pizzateca at Silver Sands pop-up – Southern Italian pizza at Aldinga with absolute beachfront views, say no more!

• Olivers Taranga - Hop onboard ‘Ollie’ for a privately hosted Taranga Terroir experience to taste wines in the vines.

• Berg Herring Wines – Taste small batch McLaren Vale wines on the spacious lawn area

• Fox Creek Wines – Open air cinema

• Ambleside Distillers – Gin tasting on the open-air deck. Image credit: @marion_foodie

• Beerenberg Strawberry Farm - Strawberry picking. Image credit: @mishell.bz

• Book a CBD short break – Crown Plaza Adelaide. Image credit: @sarah.pretty

• Spaarke at the Whitmore - Enjoy a meal on the upstairs open air deck

Tips for business:

• Communication is key: Inform customers of your hygiene, cleaning and physical distancing measures by ensuring you have some Covid Safe FAQ’s (things to know) on your website.

• Communicate to your customers that they can have a covid safe experience with your business. Try creating a promotional reel on your social media channels showing a customer having a covid safe experience. Promote your open-air experiences, dining and take-away options and new products to drive demand.

• Stay up to date with latest travel advice and testing requirements and add a link to the SA health website so customers can easily access this information.

• Encourage customers to book ahead due to reduced capacity limits.

• Promote precautions that staff are taking to be Covid safe and highlight their staff training.

• Ask visitors to show vaccination status upon check-in.

• Complete the Tourism Industry Council of SA’s Covid-19 Accreditation – Covid Vaxx Practicing Business and Covid Clean modules.

• Promote your social media channels at your venue to encourage visitors to follow and share content.

• Ask for customer reviews to grow your online presence.