Visit: www.monavalechamber.org.au/home
New South Wales Small Business Month runs October 1 - 31 2026. NSW Small Business Month is a month-long program for small businesses across New South Wales to attend free and low-cost events aligned to their individual business interests. The program is a unique opportunity to celebrate our vibrant small business community and their contribution to the economy.Throughout October, NSW Small Business Month Collaboration Partners are hosting hundreds of events to choose from both virtually and across the state. The NSW Small Business Commission together with other government organisations, chambers of commerce, industry associations and private enterprise organisations are coming together this October to provide meaningful opportunities for the small business community of New South Wales. Whether you are looking to build connections, learn new skills or gain insights you are sure to find the event for you.
Small Business Advisory Program
On September 10 2026 the NSW Government announced the upgraded $37 million Small Business Advisory Program was now open.
Delivered through the Service NSW Business Bureau, the new program offers tailored, real-world guidance built directly on feedback from more than 3,000 business owners, peak bodies, business chambers and Councils state-wide following a major review led by prominent entrepreneur Mark Bouris AM.
The new fee-free service will offer flexible digital, phone and face-to-face support, ranging from AI adoption and customer acquisition to cash-flow strategy and financial health checks.
Available immediately, the first phase of the program will give business owners direct access to:
- Free 1-on-1 advisory services covering core business essentials
- Dedicated support for multicultural business owners
- Events, workshops and networking opportunities to strengthen business capability and connections, as well as online resources.
Business owners will be able to access up to four hours of free, personalised advisory sessions for core business skills support. The program is anticipated to provide NSW small businesses with access to up to 11,325 hours of one-on-one business advice in its first six months.
The second phase of the program, launching in late February 2027, will include:
- Specialist Industry Advice: Focused, practical guidance for high-demand sectors, including construction and hospitality.
- Targeted Sector Programs: Dedicated support for Aboriginal, and women-led businesses facing unique local challenges.
- In-Person Connection: Local workshops, events, and networking opportunities to build local business capability and connections.
- Next-Gen AI Tools: A range of smart digital tools to be phased over the 4-year program to help business owners run quick health checks and match instantly with tailored support.
To find out more about the program and services available go to service.nsw.gov.au/business
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy. They power our local communities, employ millions of people and keep our state moving forward.
“We are ensuring our small business sector has access to high-quality, fee-free support to grow and truly thrive in today’s changing economic landscape.”
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
“Small business owners are some of the hardest working people in NSW, and navigating regulations, adopting new tech, and managing growth are the perennial challenges of running small business.
“Support of this nature recognises the contribution that they make to the NSW economy and the community and it recognises their role.
“By integrating this advisory support into the Service NSW Business Bureau, we’re providing one front door for business owners. Whether you’re a tradie in Dubbo, a cafe owner in Parramatta, or a tech startup in Tamworth, expert help is now just a phone call, click, or quick visit away.”
Mark Bouris AM said:
“We engaged with more than 3,000 small business owners and stakeholders across the state and they gave us a clear mandate: provide practical, trusted advice from people who actually know what it takes to run a business.
“This upgraded service does exactly that.
“It drops the bureaucracy and delivers real-world strategies - from mastering financial literacy and cash flow to harnessing AI - giving Aussie business owners the competitive edge they deserve.”
NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff stated:
"Across the state, I've heard directly from small business owners who are eager to take the next step with their business but often need the right support, advice and guidance. The Small Business Advisory Program will be instrumental in helping small businesses realise their ambitions, strengthen their resilience, and continue creating jobs, opportunities and vibrant communities throughout NSW.
“As NSW Small Business Commissioner, I am delighted that small business owners will now have access to this valuable support, empowering them to achieve their full potential and build stronger businesses for the future."
MP For Pittwater Welcomes Upgraded Small Business Advisory Program
Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby MP welcomed the NSW Government’s upgraded Small Business Advisory Program. The program provides free support to businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and owners are dealing with rising costs, staffing pressures and an increasingly difficult trading environment,” Ms Scruby said.
“I’ve been a business owner and know the value of strategic business consultancy advice, particularly in times of hardship or when having to develop a new strategy. This is a valuable opportunity for small business owners to take advantage of a program developed for business, by businesses.”
The new Small Business Advisory Program was made in consultation with businesses, industry experts led by Mark Bouris.
Ms Scruby has recently visited businesses across Pittwater with Sharen Delaportas from Service NSW Business Bureau, speaking directly with local operators about the day-to-day challenges they are facing and the support available to them.
“The key is making sure local businesses know what help is available and providing the opportunity to access it easily – from the $1,000 SafeWork rebate, to listing on Buy NSW, and now this new 1:1 support program.
“Talking to business owners in their shops and workplaces gives us a much clearer picture of what is happening on the ground and the issues affecting them the most. Customer numbers are remaining but spend per customer is down.” Ms Scruby said.
“Businesses have been appreciative of the information and many have taken action. One local Newport business listed on Buy NSW which led to them securing multiple government contracts.
Pittwater Business (Powered by the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce)
Pittwater Business (Powered by the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce), runs as a Profile of the Week this Issue so locals can find out more about this new initiative out of the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce as local business owners head into Small Business Month.
Our thanks to Graham Christie, Co-author of the award-winning bestseller Changing the Game: The Playbook for Leading Business Transformation, and Vice President of Pittwater Business, for his assistance in compiling this Profile.
When did Pittwater Business commence?
Pittwater Business launched in February 2026.
Who is running Pittwater Business?
It is run by Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce (a Not-For-Profit volunteer organisation), but has 'local' leads in Newport, Avalon, and soon other areas from Collaroy to Palm Beach. Our mission is to allow individual Chambers to manage their own networks but also combine informally under the Pittwater Business banner to achieve more critical mass, a louder voice, and more extensive commercial connections for all members.
What are the benefits of joining?
Get seen - member visibility and local profile, Get heard - advocacy and collective voice, Get connected - referrals, networking and commercial opportunity, Get supported - useful help when you need it. "Every village, one business community'.
What is the membership fee?
They are tiered memberships starting at $100 annually.
When are meetings and events held?
We have had 6 events in the last three months, upcoming events currently scheduled with more to confirm are listed here: www.monavalechamber.org.au/events
Two examples that will be available during NSW Small Business Month run below - all welcome.
Why it is worth joining?
As our Survey data supported, small and medium sized Pittwater businesses are under pressure due to market and economic conditions, they are seeking: connections and referrals, practical support to grow, stronger peer networks and advocacy, and the growth and focus of Pittwater Business addresses these.
Pittwater Business, powered by Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce, exists to connect, support and advocate for businesses across the Pittwater region. We champion a strong local economy, encourage sustainable growth, and foster collaboration that helps businesses of all sizes thrive.
Connect with commercial, industrial, retail, hospitality and service-based businesses from Collaroy to Palm Beach. Whether you're a sole trader, start-up or established organisation, you'll find opportunities to build relationships, share ideas and grow through a supportive local business community.
We're here to help you make meaningful connections, access practical resources, raise your profile and strengthen your voice on issues that matter to local business. Whether you're a long-standing local or new to the area, you'll be welcomed into a community that is invested in your success.
Every Village. One Business Community.
Ready to be part of something bigger? We'd love to welcome you to Pittwater Business.
Visit: www.monavalechamber.org.au/home
AGM 2026: New committee elected for Pittwater Business
Committee Elected for Pittwater Business, September 2026
Pittwater Business (powered by Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce) held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 15 September at the Mona Vale Performance Space, marking the close of a transformative year for the Chamber.
The past twelve months saw the organisation transition to the Pittwater Business brand, extending its reach across Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon, Warriewood and the surrounding villages under the model of "every village, one business community."
At the AGM, members elected the committee that will lead Pittwater Business through 2026/27:
President: Kylie Harding
Vice President: Graham Christie
Secretary: Jo Slater
Treasurer: Karin Rook
Ordinary Committee Members: Gordon Lang, Crombie Pitts, Jason Falinski, Cara Morgan
Kylie Harding was re-elected President, having led the Chamber through its rebrand and expansion over the past year.
Pittwater Business thanks everyone who attended the AGM and everyone standing for election. The committee looks forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead — with more events, stronger member support, and continued advocacy for local business across Pittwater.
Photos from recent events:
- Kylie Harding
- Marika Marinez
- Murray Warner
- Anne McGuire
- Jacqui Turner
- Crombie Pitts
- Leigh Crebert
- Angela Rasspass
- Karin Rook
- Gordon Lang
- Cara Morgan
- Ana Angelique
- Tony Loughran
- Thursday 15 Oct at Mona Vale Performance Space.
