Innovate Joondalup 2025 was a strategic business support initiative led by the City of Joondalup to support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The program delivered a series of targeted capability-building workshops designed to empower businesses and entrepreneurs with practical skills and knowledge. Delivered in partnership with expert providers, the program supported 40 SMEs across four specialised streams.
Project cost
$45,000
The bulk of the funding was delivered to the program providers, with a small amount of funding put towards a marketing campaign to seek expressions of interest for the program, and some further funding set aside to support program delivery.
Project timeframe
8 months from RFQ to delivery.
The project was initiated with an RFQ process for the program providers, open from October to November 2024. Following this, from December 2024 to February 2025, a marketing campaign was run seeking EOIs for participants in the program. Following close of EOIs in February 2025, applications were assessed and participants selected and notified. The program was then delivered over a 4-month period, from March to June 2025.
What was the problem or opportunity being addressed?
The City of Joondalup recognised that local businesses faced barriers accessing expert guidance, digital tools and strategic growth opportunities. Despite offering support programs, uptake of the City’s existing programs was low, with only 18 of 30 available places filled. Businesses were asking for support but not taking it up when offered. This presented an opportunity for the City to rethink their offering and to deliver programs in a different way that were inclusive and tailored to diverse business needs.
How the project addressed the problem or opportunity
In review of the previous support program the City surveyed businesses, completed a review of existing data and then decided it to seek guidance from professional business support providers on the needs of their business community. As a result, the City undertook a targeted market engagement process, inviting business support providers to submit tenders detailing what they could deliver specifically for Joondalup. These submissions were then assessed against feedback previously gathered through local business consultation, allowing the City to align proposals with identified business needs.
The City then partnered with selected providers to launch Innovate Joondalup, beginning with an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. Joint assessment ensured participants aligned with program goals, and a waitlist system maintained continuity.
Through Innovate Joondalup, the City delivered subsidised business support programs designed to empower local organisations. These programs offered access to innovative practices, mentoring, and expert advice that may otherwise be inaccessible due to cost or capacity constraints.
The program offered four tailored workshop streams:
- Level Up – Hello Monday: Focused on female entrepreneurs and business development
- Plus Eight Sprint – Spacecubed: A pre-accelerator for startups to refine business models
- Upskill for Business – Business Station: Strengthening core business skills
- Practical AI – The Excellence Project: Equipping businesses with AI tools for productivity.
Project outcomes
In just two years, Innovate Joondalup has seen a surge in demand – from 18 applications to 126 in the latest round. Forty businesses were selected across four tailored streams, delivered at a similar cost to previous rounds, highlighting the program’s growing relevance and value.
Survey results showed:
- 100% of participants planned to apply workshop learnings
- 85% rated the program as excellent
- 70% found at least half the content new
- A blended model of workshops and mentoring was preferred.
To support demand, 44 eligible but unsuccessful applicants were offered subsidised places in a Digital Solutions Action Plan Program.
Post-program follow-up encouraged participants to join the City’s business e-newsletter, Uptown Joondalup Business Directory, networking groups, and the local business association. One participant joined the Joondalup Business Association and became a finalist in the 2025 JBA Awards.
Lessons learnt
Key lessons included the importance of structured EOI forms to improve participant placement, and clearer workshop descriptions to aid applicant understanding. The program selection process will also be improved to allow for a more even distribution of funds across the selected providers. Onboarding and pre-selection interviews were found to enhance alignment between participant needs and program content. The waitlist system proved essential for managing withdrawals and maintaining program continuity.
Rolling out in early 2026, the next iteration of Innovate Joondalup will:
- Incorporate participant feedback to refine workshop topics (AI, strategic planning, leadership, financial literacy)
- Adopt a hybrid delivery model to enhance learning outcomes
- Launch earlier RFQ and EOI processes to improve planning and engagement.
The City is continuing to provide support to business through new programs under the Innovate Joondalup banner, with additional industry-specific support programs continuing to roll out.
