NSW Government Launches Upgraded Small Business Advisory Service + Pittwater Business Voices Roundtable at Newport this October
Announced: Thursday September 10 2026
Small businesses across NSW can access fee-free, expert support starting today, as the Minns Government officially launches the upgraded $37 million Small Business Advisory Program.
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, 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
The rollout of Small Business Advisory forms part of the Minns Government’s broader agenda to provide practical widespread relief that supports the entire business community during current national economic challenges, the government stated.
NSW continues to lead the country in business creation, recording a net increase of more than 200,000 new businesses since the election of the incumbent NSW Government and leading the nation in economic growth and private investment.
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 has welcomed the NSW Government’s upgraded Small Business Advisory Program that will provide free support to businesses.
The service will be available online, face-to-face, and over the phone, with owners able to access business advice and build practical skills, including customer acquisitions, cash-flow strategies, and the adoption of AI. The program, built directly from feedback taken from more than 3000 business owners, will provide small businesses with up to four hours of free personalised advice through the Service NSW Business Bureau.
Late last year, Ms Scruby confirmed the Premier’s support in Question Time, that free 1:1 in person business support would be reinstated if the Liberal Party stopped blocking Workers Compensation Reform, to bring costs down for business, following it being erroneously scrapped in the NSW Budget. An agreement was later brokered between the government and the opposition to freeze iCare premiums and adjust reform terms, paving the way for local calls—such as those by independent representatives—to restore small business advisory services.
“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 Small Business Roundtable at Newport this October
As part of NSW Small Business Month, on Friday 30 October, Ms Scruby is partnering with Pittwater Business (Powered by the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce) to hold a small business roundtable with the NSW Small Business Commissioner at Newport.
“This will be an opportunity for local businesses to raise the issues affecting them directly. I want businesses to come away with something useful and for the Business Commissioner to understand key issues like empty shopfronts to support my advocacy for a Parliamentary Inquiry on the issue,” Ms Scruby stated.
Local business owners interested in getting involved in the October event are encouraged to contact Pittwater Business at kylie.harding@morgans.com.au or by registering here.
Pittwater Business (Powered by the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce), runs as a Profile of the Week shortly.