Economic Development
Driving economic prosperity and quality outcomes for communities
We are drivers of progress, working at the intersection of business and community to develop economies and forge pathways to prosperity. Through co-designed and developed strategies, we pave the way for communities, businesses and local governments to thrive. Our approach is multifaceted, encompassing market assessments, workforce development, and sustainable practices, all focused at fortifying the economic landscape. We help communities to leverage and stretch. We're committed to driving growth, creating opportunities, and ensuring a future where the whole economy and its impacts are considered. Because, at the heart of it, a thriving economy is one that uplifts all its stakeholders, leaving a legacy of sustainable success.
Case Studies
Sustainable Surf Life Saving Clubs
Sparrowly Group was engaged by Kiama Municipal Council to undertake a review to better understand the current state of play for the three Surf Lifesaving Clubs (Kiama, Kiama Downs and Gerringong) and provide options for sustainable growth and operating decisions for the future. It looked at ways that local and state governments can work collaboratively with surf clubs to enable a secure future.
OUR APPROACH
Core to our approach to this project, was connecting and engaging with the Surf Life Saving Clubs, State Agencies and Local Council throughout the review process.
The review identified the current state of play and operating environment for surf clubs in NSW, current risks and potential. Supporting this review was a deep comparative analysis of Surf Lifesaving Clubs in other states.
The review was designed to inform key stakeholders on the needs of Surf Life Saving Clubs in the key areas including governance, planning and diversified income stream potential.
The intersection of all the current barriers and enablers were used to create an action plan to help secure the future sustainability of the Life Saving Clubs.
IMPACT
Our review bought together key stakeholders across all levels of government as well as external agencies to work together to better support and enable Surf Lifesaving Clubs in Kiama to continue to provide important volunteer and water safety services to the local community.
The review provided a clear action plan to understand the current barriers that these Surf Lifesaving Clubs face and a pathway to ensure their sustainability into the future.
Small business strategy becomes local government benchmark
Sparrowly Group was engaged by Liverpool City Council to create a Small Business Strategy which included a recovery response and ongoing resilience building plan for the small business community. Liverpool City is fast growing and emerging as Sydney’s third CBD with 98% of all businesses (18,000) being small businesses. It was one of the hardest hit regions from COVID lockdowns.
OUR APPROACH
This project was a key recommendation from the Council’s Economic Development Strategy and required us to specifically consider Liverpool’s cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD).
Our initial analysis looked at regional business performance, including spend in and leakage out, business profiles and regional demographics. We also reviewed the anchor organisations (e.g. Western Sydney Airport, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool Innovation Hub, Western Sydney University) and their development plans to better understand the potential for the small business sector to leverage and grow from.
Deep stakeholder engagement externally and internally via a series of interviews and co-design workshops helped to further unpack gaps and opportunities to produce the strategy. The strategy was further strengthened through a business typology framework to inform prioritisation and actions.
IMPACT
Our action plan was endorsed by the Council and has become a roadmap for business program officers within the City Economy team.
Our approach was recognised for the role it played in breaking down internal silos and encouraging a more collaborative approach.
Other NSW LGAs are looking at this strategy as a benchmark for application as part of their economic development and small business engagement and retention initiatives.
