In profile: Ashlie Mason, Blended Café

Like many local operators, they’ve been impacted by the decline in activity at OneSteel and its related businesses.

Owner Ashlie Mason received a $10,000 Whyalla Small Local Business Support Grant, funded under the Whyalla Emergency Response Package. The grant is helping cover essential costs including utilities, staff wages, and rent.

“The grant has really helped us out to pay some bills,” Ashlie says. “If the grant is available to businesses, they should definitely take the opportunity.”

The grant program is part of a coordinated response by the Australian and South Australian Governments to support the Whyalla community through this transition.

The State Government recently extended the application deadline for the Whyalla Support Package programs, including the Small Local Business Support Grants, by an additional month, giving eligible business more time to apply.

Whyalla businesses are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply before 30 June 2025 via whyallasupport.sa.gov.au.

To find out what other support is available to your business, click here.