Business Connect Program

This program aims to support small businesses to startup, create jobs through growth, help established small to medium enterprises (SMEs) become sustainable and increase business confidence across NSW.

The program will achieve these aims by:
- Providing general and specialist business advice and government information to startups and SMEs.
- Promoting business growth through innovation, improving resilience and boosting productivity.
- Supporting digital readiness and regional business development.

Business Connect services are provided by independent service providers based across NSW, including specialist and multicultural service providers. They can provide practical business advice and skills training and can help businesses to:
- Develop a business or recovery plan.
- Market the business to reach new customers.
- Innovate and implement digital tools such as ecommerce.
- Manage cashflow and access finance.
- Connect to other government programs and professional services such as accountants.

Businesses can register online for an advisory session or to book an event. A business can access a maximum of 60 hours of support in total over the lifetime of the program including advice, workshops and events.

Business advice is free for businesses affected by COVID-19 and/or bushfires. All Business Connect customers can access the following services free of charge:
- Up to four hours of advice from a business advisor.
- Webinars and online workshops offering business skills training and information.

Workshops, seminars and further advisory sessions are affordable and highly subsidised by the NSW Government. Businesses will pay a small contribution of $25 per event or hour. The Business Connect service provider will inform the business of any fees before support is provided and arrange payment of any applicable fees directly.

The program will provide business advisory services and business skills training from 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2021.

As announced in the 2020-21 NSW Budget, the Government will provide this program with a $39.3 million boost and will be extending it for a further three years, making it a four-year commitment. This is on top of the Government’s announcement in April of $9.8 million.

Eligible applicants include those who own a business or are thinking of starting a business in NSW.

Eligible organisations include social enterprises, co-operatives and trusts, if they employ staff or are intending to employ staff in NSW. Organisations not intending to employ staff and run solely by volunteers are not eligible.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia and be a resident of NSW and/or have their business premises located in NSW.

Former international students with post study work right visas are eligible (e.g. 485 visa holders). They can check their visa entitlements or find out more about business migration to NSW.