Information for Business

Unley is a premier shopping destination and home to some of the best retail shopping districts in South Australia. 

Business in Unley


The City of Unley is active in promoting, encouraging and supporting business within the area. An eclectic mix of professional services, retail, cafes and dining experiences, make the City of Unley a great place to do business.

The City of Unley region is a higher socio-economic area (higher income, lower unemployment) with 25.9% of households earning more than $2500 per week and 11.4% of individuals earn $2000 or more per week compared to 13.5% and 4.4% respectively for Greater Adelaide.

These factors, combined with the wide variety of Mainstreet buildings and floor space options available on our 5 Mainstreet Precincts, you will be sure to find the perfect location for your business to succeed!

For current commercial leasing opportunities, visit the following real estate websites:

One of the many benefits of locating in the region is the eligibility to participate in the Find Your Everything (FYE) Program.

FYE is Unley’s award winning digital platform that supports our “bricks and mortar” businesses, the heart of the shopping precincts of Unley.

Small Business Friendly Council

In our commitment to support local businesses, the City of Unley is now part of the Small Business Friendly Council Initiative, a program of the Office of the Small Business Commissioner that is specifically designed to assist with fostering relationships with and supporting small business.

We recognise that small business owners and operators create local employment, provide essential goods and services and help create attractive, liveable communities. We are excited to be a part of this program as we commit through a Charter Agreement to support small businesses by adopting eight initiatives that drive local economic development.

For more information about the Small Business Friendly Council Initiative visit the Office of the Small Business Commissioner website.

To discuss how we can assist your business, please contact a member of our Economic Development team on 8372 5427.

Traders Associations

Mainstreet Trader Associations are available to help assist potential and existing businesses operating in our mainstreets.

After all, Unley is known as a destination for all types of business, and as part of that, the Trader Associations are the strength behind their precincts.
 

Unley Road Association Inc.
Meet on the last Wednesday of the month
5.30pm at various venues on Unley Road
Contact: Marketing Coordinator Alex Hammett
Phone: 8120 0368
Email: unleyroad@gmail.com
Vist the Only Unley Road website.
 
Goodwood Road Business Association Inc.
Meet on the second Tuesday of the month
6pm at various venues on Goodwood Road
Contact: Marketing Coordinator Helen Lewis
Phone: 0418 891 901
Email: helen.lewis@goodwoodroad.com.au
 
King William Road Traders Association Inc.
Meet on the third Tuesday of every second month
6pm at various venues
Contact: Project & Community Manager Chelsea Mattner
Email: info@kingwilliamroad.com.au
Visit the King William Road website.
 
Fullarton Road South Traders Association Inc.
Meet on the second Wednesday of the month
6pm at Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton
Contact: Marketing Coordinator Alice McDonald
Phone: 8338 2444
Email: alice@flowersbyalice.com.au

 

Business Training & Support

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  • Business SA
    Business SA is known as the voice of business in South Australia.

    Formerly known as the South Australian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business SA is there to assist organisations of all sizes to manage people and tackle the issues faced in today’s competitive business environment.

    Their highly skilled professionals provide hands-on assistance to identify workplace challenges and drive growth at every stage of the business lifecycle.

    Their diverse membership base includes professional services, manufacturing, retail and emerging sectors, and they get actively involved in every facet of industry and commerce across the State.

    Services offered cover many operational and specialist areas including Human Resources, Work Health and Safety, and International Trade. This is implemented through Training, Consulting, Publications, the International Business unit and an Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

    For more information visit the Business SA website.
  • SA Department of State Development
    The Department of State Development helps industry, business and communities identify and capitalise on opportunities for job creation and growth.

    The Department of State Development is driving research, education and skills initiatives to create jobs and build the skilled workforce South Australia needs to support industry.

    It brings together the expertise across government to attract and serve international investors in our diverse economy.

    For more information visit the Department of State Development website.
  • Mainstreet SA
    Mainstreet SA, is a state branch of Mainstreet Australia, and is a highly respected and energetic association for business owners, providing valuable networking, education, support and strategic direction for all stakeholders.

    Mainstreet SA aims to reinforce this vision through recognising that our Mainstreets are ‘Living Spaces’ giving us, their ‘custodians’, a sense of meaning, reminding us of our past and inspiring us for our future.

    For more information visit the Mainstreet SA webpage.

Unley Business Breakfasts

The Unley Business Breakfast series is a joint initiative of the Hyde Park Rotary Club, Business SA and the City of Unley.

Over a hot breakfast in the Unley Town Hall, hear guest speakers provide tips to help you and your business succeed, and make new connections with like-minded business people.

The breakfasts are held six times each year. Book early to reserve your place.

Upcoming breakfasts will be listed on this page.
 

CitySwitch Green Office Program

Now more than ever, there is a need for the Australian business community to lower its exposure to energy pricing impacts and shift their focus to more efficient and sustainable operations. 
  
If you are an office-based business looking to reduce carbon emissions and improve business performance through sustainability practices and technologies then CitySwitch is for you. 

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  • About CitySwitch
    CitySwitch is a free program that assists office-based businesses to reduce their environmental footprint. 

    City Switch is a national program with greening support for desk based offices, whether in owner/occupier or leased arrangements.

    This free program provides tools, guidelines and incentives to assist businesses to improve their sustainability which can have multiple benefits for the environment, staff, marketing and bottom line.  It also enables networking access to over 800 signatories nationwide.

    Levels of involvement range from behaviour changes through to infrastructure changes. View this short video by the City of Adelaide to learn more about the program including examples from signatories.
     

    CitySwitch from City of Adelaide on Vimeo.

  • Join CitySwitch
    Joining up to CitySwitch is free. Members have access to a dedicated program manager and receive a range of resources and case studies to help improve their sustainable business operations.

    To join the CitySwitch program and become a CitySwitch Signatory, office-based businesses in the City of Unley need to follow these simple steps:
    1. complete the CitySwitch Letter Template
    2. complete the CitySwitch Overview Form and
    3. email them together with your corporate logo to the CitySwitch contact at the City of Unley UnleyBusiness@unley.sa.gov.au
    Upon receipt and processing of your letter, you will be acknowledged as a new signatory and receive a Commitment Certificate from the Mayor.

    For further questions, please contact the Greater Metro Program Manager for CitySwitch on 03 9658 7821 or email danielle.king@melbourne.vic.gov.au
  • CitySwitch Commitment

    To become a CitySwitch Green Office signatory, organisations are required to commit to:

    • Commence a benchmark indicative NABERS Energy tenancy rating of their office within 3 months
    • Develop and implement an Energy Action Plan to achieve and maintain a 4 stars or higher accredited NABERS Energy tenancy
    • Appoint an Energy Manager to monitor actual performance
    • Request a NABERS Energy base building rating from the building owner/manager
    • Promote energy efficiency to staff, customers and suppliers and share their experiences with other Signatories
    • Provide feedback on their success in an annual Progress Report
  • Sustainable Business Consultant
    A limited number of complimentary visits from a sustainable business consultant are available for City of Unley businesses that sign up to CitySwitch.

    This incentive includes support to calculate an indicative NABERS Energy Rating and a site visit to help identify useful sustainability actions, resources and incentives that your organisation may wish to utilise/implement to get you started with CitySwitch.

    This service is available once the signatory form is received. 

    Please note, this is a limited offer until the allocation has been exhausted.
     
  • CitySwitch Annual Reporting & Awards
    Each September/October is the annual CitySwitch Progress Reporting Period. This is a time when businesses measure their performance over the previous 12 months.

    In November CitySwitch holds annual CitySwitch Awards to showcase signatories that have demonstrated outstanding environmental leadership. The awards give recognition to those who have improved, maintained or achieved their NABERS Energy tenancy or whole building rating and have reported significant energy savings.

    Signatories are judged at a state level across a number of categories, with winners from each state going into the running for National awards.
     
  • More Information

    Contact the Greater Metro Program Manager for CitySwitch on 03 9658 7821  email danielle.king@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Age Friendly Business

Age Friendly means people of all ages can live healthy and independent lives for as long as possible and participate in the community as they grow older. Age Friendly initiatives benefit children, parents and younger people with disabilities, whilst recognising the specific needs of older people.

40% of total City of Unley population above 50 years of age.
Great majority of disposable income held by those over 60.
South Australian population ageing faster than any other mainland state.
Older people are more likely to shop locally.


Wealth is concentrated in the older population; the great majority of disposable income is held by those over 60 and Baby Boomers are the wealthiest generation in our history. Older people represent a large market segment that is also likely to reward businesses that meet their needs through repeat custom. Additionally, older people are more likely to choose to patronise local shops, rather than travelling further afield or shopping online.

Age Friendly Business Recognition Program
The City of Unley’s Age Friendly Business Program recognises businesses in the City of Unley that are implementing strategies to improve the customer experience of older people. The aim of the program is to increase understanding of the needs of older patrons and the benefits of implementing age friendly improvements to business premises and services.

Businesses that commit to the program will be recognised and promoted, receive an ‘Age Friendly Trader’ sticker which they can display in their shop windows with pride, and receive offers for free educational workshops to further their understanding.

The first step in becoming recognised is to complete the Age Friendly Business Checklist.

nbn - Australia’s Broadband Network

nbn logo


NBN Installation in the Unley area
Installation of infrastructure for the nbn™ will commence in the Unley area from early August 2017. Work will include installing cables and the installation of nodes and pillars on footpaths and verges. All care will be taken to minimise disruption during construction. If you have any feedback or questions regarding this work please contact the nbn™ on 1800 687 626 or email info@nbn.com.au

The nbn™ network is Australia’s new landline phone and internet network, designed to provide you with access to fast and reliable phone and internet services no matter where you live.

The nbn™ network can open up many opportunities for homes and businesses:
  • Experience fast downloads, with multiple people and devices operating in the home or business at the same time^
  • Smooth video conferencing takes the frustration out of face to face contact with loved ones or work colleagues
  • Kids can unlock their full potential by having fast access to online educational tools
  • Access to a fast connection can help businesses and employees enhance productivity^

The nbn™ network will give us all the opportunity to do more.  Whether working or playing, learning, or just having fun, the nbn™ network will be a part of everyday life for decades to come. And now it’s on your doorstep.

Check your address

The network rollout is detailed in nbn’s 3-year rollout plan, released in October 2015.  Visit the NBN website to check your address and find out when the nbn™ is coming to you, or to register with nbn and receive updates. 

^ Your experience including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ network depends on the technology over which services are delivered to your premises and some factors outside nbn’s control like your equipment quality, software broadband plans and how your service provider designs its network.
 
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  • Five things you need to know, even if you only have a landline phone
    1. What’s the nbn™ network? The nbn™ network is Australia’s exciting new landline phone and internet network designed to provide you with access to fast, reliable phone and internet services, wherever you live.
    2. Why do we need it? With so many connected devices now in the home and workplace, the way we access and use data has changed forever. A fast broadband network will ensure Australia is ready for the next generation of connected homes and businesses. 
    3. What do I need to do? In most areas, once the nbn™ network is available, you’ll need to move your phone and internet services to it to make sure they continue working.  Check with your service provider to find out whether your services will be affected.
    4. How can I get the nbn™ network? As a wholesaler, nbn doesn’t sell directly to the public. That means once it’s in your area, you’ll need to talk to a phone or internet provider about moving your services.  Whether you’re a home, or business user, they won’t be switched over automatically. To make the switch, call a phone or internet provider and ask about moving to a plan that uses the nbn™ network.
    5. What if I don’t make the switch? The nbn™ network rollout affects almost all of us, with access expected to be available to 8 million homes and businesses by 2020. Most people will need to act to stay connected, even if they just have a landline phone. 
  • nbn for business

    Australia's digital economy demands a fast and reliable network.

    Enabling access to new markets, creating opportunity to reduce costs and drive innovation, as well as gaining competitive edge on the global stage.  The nbn™ network is Australia’s new landline phone and internet network, designed to support future economic and social growth.

    Here’s how to move to the nbn™ network:

    1. Contact your preferred service provider. You won’t be connected to the nbn™ network automatically, so contact your preferred internet service provider to discuss your requirements and select the most appropriate plan for your business needs. It’s a good idea to switch to the nbn™ network well before your disconnection date to allow time for your order to be processed, and for installation, if applicable.
    2. Check your equipment compatibility. It’s important for your device provider to understand the compatibility of your existing devices with the new network.  Your provider can help minimise a break in service as your area is switched to the nbn™ network.
    3. For more information visit the nbn business webpage or contact your preferred service provider.
  • Switching to the nbn™ network

    Switching to the nbn™ network isn’t automatic.  So when the network is available to you, here’s what you need to do:

    1. Contact a phone or internet provider
    2. Ask about switching your phone or internet to the nbn™ network
    3. Check your equipment compatibility
    4. Choose a plan that suits your needs

    For more information visit the nbn webpage or call nbn on 1800 687 626 9am-5pm, AEST Monday to Friday.


nbn™, nbn co and related brands and logos are trade marks of nbn co and used under licence.

City of Unley Free WiFi

The City of Unley has partnered with Telstra to provide 19 WiFi points strategically placed along King William Road and Unley Road.
 
Locals, visitors and businesses now have free access to fast and reliable internet, for 30 minutes per device per day for free, via their smart phones, tablets and laptops.
 
The WiFi range is approximately 50m in each direction of the transmitters along Unley Road between Fisher Street and Young Street and along King William Road between Park Street and Mary Street.
 
To connect, search for the connection called ‘City of Unley Free WiFi’. A password is not required for access. Users will need to agree to terms and conditions on a landing page to continue. WiFi sessions using the network will not be limited by data and Telstra Air customers will be able to connect at hotspots with no time restrictions. 

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  • Data Collection

    We use Location Based Services (LBS) to understand traffic patterns in venues. The location data we capture helps us to understand venues, such as how long customers stand in line and how they generally move around an area, enhancing operational efficiency and improving user experience.

    Our provider is a member of the Future of Privacy Forum, which means they follow best practice and adhere to the Mobile Location Code of Conduct. Find out more from the Purple website. Alternatively, you can opt out of location analytics using Smart Places.