The Stretton Centre is celebrating its 10th birthday — marking a decade of driving innovation, creating local jobs, and bringing together great minds and industry in Northern Adelaide.

Since opening its doors in 2015, the hub has been the launchpad for over 300 businesses, many of which have gone on to become local success stories.

The hub has supported entrepreneurs through more than 4000 business support interactions, helping them unlock opportunities that assist them to overcome barriers and grow.

The Stretton Centre is named in honour of Hugh Stretton AC, Companion of the Order of Australia. Hugh was a visionary South Australian thinker and believed cities should be more than centres of economic activity — they should be places of social progress, inclusion and opportunity.

The Stretton Centre continues to embody this legacy, serving as a catalyst for positive change and reinforcing Playford’s role as a leader in innovation, community development and opportunity.

In the 2024–25 financial year alone, the co-working space hosted 45 businesses and welcomed more than 1000 venue hire bookings.

Industry connections have also flourished through events such as the NDIS networking series and Defence Industry Days, while thousands of jobseekers have attended employment expos that opened real pathways into work.

A key catalyst in the centre’s journey was securing $11.3 million through the Australian Government’s Suburban Jobs Program — one of only three flagship projects to be funded nationally.

With additional co-funding through the Playford Initiatives Fund, this became a $15.3 million investment driving economic growth in Northern Adelaide.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the 10-year milestone reflects the achievements to date and the City’s strong vision for the future.

Over the years , the Stretton Centre has played a vital role in supporting business growth, equipping people with the skills needed for the jobs of the future, and strengthening Playford’s position as a leader in innovation,” Mayor Docherty said.

“As we look ahead, we do so with optimism and confidence — knowing the foundations laid 10 years ago remain strong, and the vision is as relevant today as it was then.”

Further helping to empower local businesses, the Stretton Centre will help deliver Business Finance for Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises as part of Small Business Week 2025.

Partnering with Protego Finance, the Office for Small and Family Business, Small Business Commissioner SA, Industry Advocate and the Commissioner for Consumer and Business Services, this practical workshop will provide easy-to-understand tools to help you manage cash flow, understand how to crunch numbers and make smarter financial decisions.

Protego Finance’s Ben Gregory is looking forward to delivering the upcoming workshop and believes the Stretton Centre provides a great working environment.

“Clients are constantly commenting on the professionalism of what is offered at the centre. This helps our business shine, and we still retain a very affordable price for the services we receive - this is very important for us as a small business,” Mr Gregory said.

Mr Gregory is also looking forward to presenting 'thought starters' in the workshop to help small businesses succeed in the early years of operation.

“This will be drawn from our years of experience as small operators. We are eager to provide tips on how we grew in what can be a very lonely and tough world of being self-employed.”

Business Finance for Micro and SMEs

Date & Time: Thursday, 25 September, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Location: Stretton Centre

Cost: Free

Bookings: Required