SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S 2026 FUNDING ROUND 2 IS NOW CLOSED
Email your local Project Officer Jessie for assistance and more information.

jessie@localbuyingfoundation.com.au

The aim of the Local Buying Foundation is to support and deliver economic and local/regional business programs which build capacity and capability in the communities where BHP, C-Res and the Local Buying Program operate.

We do this through the support of programs and initiatives that target local business training and development needs.

The Local Buying Foundation is adding value to our business communities in South Australia which includes the council areas of Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Whyalla and Roxby Downs.

Below is a snapshot of the SA data as of October 2026:

SA Projects Funded

Funding approved $

Celebrating the small businesses making a big impact in Port Augusta

by | 13 October 2026 | South Australia Funding, Sponsorships | 0 Comments

The achievements of sole traders and micro businesses can go unnoticed despite their significant contribution to local communities. Recognising and celebrating these businesses is important for the value they bring to regional economies.

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Celebrating the businesses driving Port Pirie’s future

by | 13 October 2026 | South Australia Funding, Sponsorships | 0 Comments

Business success is built on innovation, resilience and the willingness of people to invest in their communities. Across Port Pirie, local businesses continue to adapt, grow and create opportunities that strengthen the region’s economy

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Business Port Pirie strengthens support for local businesses

by | 13 October 2026 | Innovation, Skills and Business Development, South Australia Funding | 0 Comments

Business Port Pirie is strengthening support for small businesses across Port Pirie and the surrounding region through its Business Manager Development Project, aiming to build a more connected, capable and resilient Port Pirie business community.

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From Chaos to Control, a practical workshop

by | 25 August 2026 | South Australia Funding, Sponsorships | 0 Comments

Strong businesses rely on confident business owners and initiatives that improve decision making and business capability can have lasting benefits across a regional economy. Move from overwhelm to clarity and control.

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Excellence in a Micro Business Award

by | 25 August 2026 | South Australia Funding, Sponsorships | 0 Comments

Sponsorship of Excellence in a Micro Business, Business Port Augusta hopes to build a stronger culture of recognition ensuring businesses of every size are encouraged to participate and succeed.

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SA Funding Round Dates:

All Funding Rounds for 2026 are now finalised.

Round 1: closed May 8, 2026
Round 2: closed October 16, 2026

Please direct any out-of-round enquiries to info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au

 

 

Local Buying Foundation Supported Regions QLD

Supported regions in SA:

The Local Buying Foundation in South Australia aims to enhance the economic stability in the local government areas of:

  • Coober Pedy
  • Port Augusta
  • Port Pirie
  • Roxby Downs
  • Whyalla

SA Advisory Committee

To ensure that the Local Buying Foundation funding opportunities target genuine community needs, a Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee has been established for each State.

The Advisory Committees are a representative body made up of key stakeholders from across the LBF regions with an interest or skills and expertise in regional economic development. The Committee provides guidance and market/environment intelligence to inform, identify and support and the investment and disbursement of the Foundation’s funds and to oversee effective governance of the Foundation.

The Advisory Committees ensure that approved projects, programs, and initiatives align with the Foundation’s objectives, meet specified criteria and have the appropriate due diligence.

Listed are the South Australian Advisory Committee members appointed for 2026-2028

 

Melissa Westcott | Local Buying Foundation Chair

Bree Sipavicius | BHP
BHP Procurement Representative

Brodie Papps | BHP
BHP Corporate Affairs Representative

Greg Williams | Regional Development Australia Far North
Economic Development Representative

Tamara Thomas | TACTIC
Industry Representative

Anita Kuss | UniHub Spencer Gulf
Economic Development Representative, Education Representative

Mikael Strain | Yamanha Pty Ltd
Traditional Owner/Indigenous Business Representative

Tracey Miller | Business Port Augusta
Business Chamber Representative

Lisa Brock | Impact Solutions SA Pty Ltd
Independent

 

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Local Buying Foundation acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.