Small Business Networking and Innovation Forum

Looking for practical ways to innovate and grow your small business? Join us on 18 March from 9 am to 12 pm for a free half-day forum at The Barns of Freeling, where local business owners will share how they have used innovation to overcome challenges, improve efficiency, and grow their businesses.

Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, implement new technologies, or rethink how you work, this event will provide practical ideas you can apply to your own business.

What You’ll Learn

• How local businesses have adapted through innovation
• Practical strategies to improve efficiency and remain competitive
• Real-world examples of overcoming business challenges
• Opportunities to connect with other business owners and industry representatives

Real-World Business Innovation Stories

This panel features local business owners who have successfully navigated challenges and embraced innovation to build stronger, more resilient businesses. Each business owner will provide real-life strategies for adapting to change, using technology, and problem-solving to stay ahead.

Tim Gransbury, Director and Senior Occupational Therapist, Abilities Occupational Therapy

Tim is one of three Directors at Abilities OT, a practice specialising in providing Occupational Therapy services to rural and remote adults in South Australia. With extensive experience in community and inpatient care, he has a passion for complex home modifications and the use of technology to enable independence.

Tim will share how his team has adopted digital tools and process improvements to enhance workflow, communication, and financial management, allowing them to improve efficiency and better support clients.

Juliet Tripodi, Sales and Distribution Manager, Rainbow Fresh

Juliet is a second-generation grower and primary producer, managing sales and distribution at Rainbow Fresh, a supplier of ready-to-eat leafy salads in the Adelaide Plains. With 25 years in the fresh food industry, she has helped transition the sector from seasonal farming to high-tech production.

Juliet will discuss how resilience and diversification have helped Rainbow Fresh adapt and grow, with a focus on problem-solving, evolving consumer demands, and improving business operations to remain competitive.

Philippa Faulkner, Business Manager and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, EnviroCopper Ltd

Philippa has worked across multiple industries and now leads stakeholder engagement at EnviroCopper, which pioneers sustainable copper extraction from historical mine sites. She combines entrepreneurship with innovative mining solutions to drive environmental and commercial outcomes.

Philippa will share how collaboration, technology, and an adaptive mindset have helped EnviroCopper overcome challenges, find new opportunities, and apply solutions that can benefit businesses across industries.

Teagan Carpenter, Founder and Creative Director, Vintage Chef Co.

Teagan founded Vintage Chef Co., a family-run business that provides meal preparation, catering, and café services across South Australia. Employing over 45 locals, she has led the business through rapid expansion while maintaining a focus on sustainability and quality.

Teagan will share how innovation in packaging, distribution, and business growth strategies has helped her scale the business, navigate industry challenges, and ensure long-term success.

About the Hosts

This event is presented by Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains and AusIndustry.

Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains is a non-government and non-profit organisation that is part of a national network. We work with businesses and communities to sustainably grow our regional economy and create more liveable communities.

AusIndustry provides a connection between small and medium-sized businesses and government. For almost 30 years, AusIndustry has continued to be a valuable hub, nurturing partnerships and networks, providing information and connections to help navigate local, state, and Commonwealth government support to get the best for each business.

They work with businesses every day. They are connected to regions, communities, and industries and enable government engagement with businesses. Their business insights inform and improve policy and programs across government. They enable economic growth by enabling Australian businesses to be productive, innovative, and sustainable.