Small businesses across NSW can now access fee-free expert support as the NSW Government launches the upgraded $37 million Small Business Advisory Program.
Delivered through the Service NSW Business Bureau, the new program provides tailored business guidance informed by feedback from more than 3,000 business owners and stakeholders across NSW following a 90-day review led by entrepreneur Mark Bouris AM.
The new fee-free service will offer flexible digital, phone and face-to-face support, covering areas ranging from AI adoption and customer acquisition to cash-flow management and broader business planning.
The first phase of the program gives eligible business owners access to:
- free one-on-one advisory services covering core business essentials;
- dedicated support for multicultural business owners; and
- events, workshops and networking opportunities to strengthen business capability and connections, as well as online resources.
Eligible businesses can access up to four hours of free, personalised one-on-one advice each financial year.
Advisory topics include:
- business planning;
- marketing and customer acquisition;
- finance, cash flow and pricing;
- staffing and workforce planning; and
- digital skills, including the use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity.
The program is expected to provide NSW small businesses with access to up to 11,325 hours of one-on-one business advice during its first six months.
Workshops, webinars and networking opportunities are expected to begin from mid-September.
The second phase of the program, expected to launch 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 particular business challenges.
- In-Person Connection: Local workshops, events and networking opportunities designed to strengthen business capability and connections.
- Next-Generation AI Tools: Digital tools to be phased in across the four-year program to help business owners conduct business health checks and connect with tailored support.
The Small Business Advisory Review recommended a $37 million investment over four years, comprising $7 million in 2026–27 and $10 million in each of the following three years.
The review also recommended specialist support for priority industries including construction and hospitality, as well as targeted assistance for Aboriginal, multicultural, women-led and regional businesses.
To access advisory sessions, applicants generally need to own or operate a small business, or be considering starting one in NSW.
For operating businesses with an ABN, the program defines a small business as one with either:
- aggregated turnover of less than $10 million; or
- fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees.
Applicants seeking advisory sessions must also have the right to live and work in Australia and be a NSW resident and/or have business premises located in NSW.
The NSW Government said the rollout forms part of its broader support for the small business sector.
It also said NSW has recorded a net increase of more than 200,000 businesses since the Minns Government came to office, while continuing to lead the country 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.
“By integrating this advisory support into the Service NSW Business Bureau, we’re providing one front door for business owners.”
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.”
NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff said:
“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.”
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