Business Accessibility Support Program

This new program is for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) wanting to grow their revenue and customer base among people with disability and their companions by integrating inclusive practices for customers with disability – no matter your starting point or budget.

The City of Adelaide is proudly supporting a cohort of up to 8 businesses to participate in a pilot round from February to June 2025.

This program will help selected businesses implement accessibility improvements that are achievable, impactful, and low-cost. The program will help you explore solutions that you can put into practice right away – improvements that go beyond compliance and accessible toilets and parking spaces.

The Business Accessibility Support Program is designed to provide businesses with funding, tools and practical guidance, needed to improve accessibility across their physical, digital, and service areas.

Successful applicants will receive:

• Up to $10,000 in funding: To make an accessibility improvement to your physical space, digital platform, or customer service strategies.
• 1:1 Consultation Session: Work with an accessibility consultant to create a tailored Action Plan. This will help your business:
  • Understand your business's current accessibility strengths and gaps.
  • Plan short and longer term steps to improve access for customers with disability and their companions.
• Workshops: Take part in 3 practical workshops covering key accessibility areas: physical access, digital accessibility, and inclusive customer service.
• Ongoing Support: Stay on track with regular check-ins and access to a network of committed business and industry leaders.
• Exclusive Recognition: Successfully complete the program and receive an award and public promotion via AEDA and City of Adelaide channels.

More features of the program include:

• Self-Assessment Toolkit: A simple checklist to recognise strengths and gaps in your business.
• Resources & Templates: Practical online guides to implement little changes that make a big difference to customers with disability.
  

• Expressions of Interest open 9 December 2024 and will close 24 January 2025
• Successful businesses notified by the end of January 2025
• The program starts February 2025 and finishes in June

To apply for the pilot program, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Operate within the City of Adelaide
• Have fewer than 200 employees.
• Provide services in the visitor economy, including but not limited to:
  • Food and beverage establishment (e.g. restaurant, café, club, bar, pub)
  • Retailer (e.g. boutique, gift shop, florist, bookshop)
  • Tourism (e.g. accommodation, conference venue, guided tour or attraction)
  • Art and recreation (e.g. gallery, live music venue, museum, gym)

• Be genuinely interested in improving accessibility for customers and employees with disability.
• Be available to commit around 2 hours per week from February to June 2025 for workshops, consultations, and implementing accessibility improvements.
• Participate in a short program evaluation, including a survey at the end.
• Commit to ongoing improvements in accessibility beyond the program.
• Not have received Council funding or grants in 2023 or 2024 for access-related improvements.

This program will be delivered using a hybrid model, allowing selected businesses to participate in workshops and 1:1 consultancy sessions either in person or online, depending on what suits you best. We understand that time can be tight for small businesses, so we’re making it easy for you to take part at your own pace.

Virtual sessions and recorded workshops will also be available, ensuring flexibility for those who may not be able to attend live sessions.

In addition, participating businesses will have access to:

• Pre-recorded sessions and downloadable resources, including checklists, templates, and case studies.
• A private online community where you can connect with other businesses involved in the program and share insights with the program team.

This model ensures that you can fully engage with the program and implement improvements at a pace that works for your business.

If your business is eligible and you are interested in participating, please complete the registration form below.

We’re excited to help your business become more accessible and inclusive. 

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].