Name: Department of State Development
Price range: $

About the Innovation Leaders Network

In conversation with South Australian startup founders, the Department of State Development regularly hears about the importance of mentorship in starting and scaling a business. While founders are invited to contact us for connection to local knowledge, tools and support programs, nothing beats advice from those who have ‘been there, done that’.

Fortunately, South Australia has no shortage of generous business leaders willing to share their expertise and lessons learned.

The Innovation Leaders Network (ILN) was established in 2024 to bridge the gap between seasoned entrepreneurs and those in the earlier stages of starting and growing a business.

Through events, networking, mentorship, and other business-building opportunities, the ILN is a platform for the exchange of knowledge. ILN opportunities are designed to be highly relevant, and more accessible (in cost, time, and diversity of participants) than the existing calendar of events tailored towards South Australian entrepreneurs.

Interested in connecting with your peers through the ILN? Register below to be informed of opportunities as they arise.

35 (and growing)Innovation Leaders contributing their time and expertise

10events held since the ILN’s establishment in 2024

700+event registrations

Four streams of business-building activity

Through the Innovation Leaders Network, members of the South Australian startup and innovation community can access four streams of business-building activity:

Business Acumen Events

Held several times a year in venues across Adelaide and surrounds, the ILN Business Acumen Events are a platform for business leaders to share their journeys and learnings with others who could benefit from this expertise – usually in the form of a speech, presentation or panel discussion.

These free events welcome a diverse group of entrepreneurial minded people, who gather to hear from speakers, ask questions, and network with like-minded business founders and leaders.

Each event is centred on a topic of interest to those starting or scaling a business in South Australia. See below for information on upcoming and past events, or register to receive information on future opportunities.

View previous events

Boardroom Lunches

The ILN Boardroom Lunch series invites startups founders to connect with, and learn from, peers over an informal lunch.

The discussion is led by one or two experienced business leaders who – encouraged by the intimate group setting – are emboldened to be transparent in sharing their business wins and missteps, lessons learned, and advice.

Leadership Program

The Leadership Program invites a small cohort of South Australian startup founders and leaders to undertake a bespoke leadership course.

This tailored series of workshops and other capability-building opportunities is designed to help participants manage a team, navigate the challenges inherent to starting and growing a business, and realise their growth ambitions.

This new program is being delivered by the Leaders Institute of South Australia at no cost to participants, subsidised by the Department of State Development.

Invitations to participate in the Leadership Program are facilitated through an expression of interest process. Register below to receive information on future expressions of interest and other ILN opportunities.

Mentoring Series

The Innovation Leaders Network Mentoring series provides opportunities for emerging founders to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and obtain their insights into starting and scaling a business.

Through facilitated, small group discussions, participants can ask questions and seek advice specific to their business challenges. These mentee-mentor relationships may be developed beyond the event, if both parties should wish.

Invitations to participate in the Mentoring Series are facilitated through an expression of interest process. Register below to receive information on future expressions of interest and other ILN opportunities.

Are you interested in giving back to entrepreneurship in SA?

We are looking for experienced entrepreneurs to take part as a mentor in the Mentoring Series as a mentor to help guide and develop the next generation of innovation leaders in South Australia.

If you are interested, contact the team to discuss how you could share your learnings and shape the next generation of South Australian entrepreneurs.

Become a mentor

Partnering with business and industry across key focus areas for economic growth in South Australia.

Supporting business and industry through strategic programs, projects and initiatives.

Delivering sustainable economic growth and a resilient economy through the development of creative, innovative and productive businesses and industries in South Australia.

Explore the latest news, events and insights from South Australia's industry, academia and business community.

Focus areas

Partnering with business and industry across key focus areas for economic growth in South Australia.

Programs and initiatives

Supporting business and industry through strategic programs, projects and initiatives.

The Department

Delivering sustainable economic growth and a resilient economy through the development of creative, innovative and productive businesses and industries in South Australia.

News and Events