Small and family-owned wine businesses in South Australia will soon have access to tailored support through a new program aimed at strengthening financial, digital and storytelling skills.
Developed by the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), the Small and Family Business Program will run from 2025 to 2027 across wine regions in the state.
The initiative will offer a mix of workshops and one-on-one mentoring to help businesses build sustainable models, grow sales and better connect with customers.
Details of the first round of workshops and mentoring will be released soon with the program focusing on three key areas: financial management to support long-term viability, storytelling to enhance brand connection with markets, and digital strategies to expand sales opportunities beyond the cellar door.
SAWIA CEO, Inca Lee, said the program was designed in response to industry feedback and current market pressures.
“We know the pressure on small and family wine businesses is intense, with market pressures, evolving consumer preferences and a transformed digital marketplace creating major challenges,” Lee said.
“This program has been designed based on industry feedback to deliver practical skills in key business areas – finance, storytelling and digital marketing/sales.”
Workshops will be complemented by personalised mentoring, with participants working alongside experts to develop action plans aligned to their business goals and target markets.
“This hands-on support will ensure businesses can effectively apply the strategies learned to drive wine sales and long-term business sustainability,” Lee said.
“Small and family businesses are responding to current pressures and finding new opportunities, and this program is designed to support them.”
Businesses can register their interest now by emailing admin@winesa.asn.au.