For the eleventh year in a row, the valuable contribution of the small business sector of NSW is the focus of Small Business September 2010.
Small Business September is an annual, month-long celebration of the value of small businesses to both the economic and social fabric of NSW.
With over 650,000 diverse small businesses operating across the State, each employing up to 20 people, the sector underpins the economic lifeblood of our community.
The NSW small business sector also makes a major contribution to the Australian economy: they make up 96 percent of all businesses and over a third of the nation’s 1.93 million small businesses are based in our State.
Small Business September is a time when the NSW Government and the community pay tribute to this contribution.
The theme of Small Business September 2010 is Connect for Profit, a message that underlines the NSW Government’s support for small business and the sector’s importance to future economic wellbeing.
Around 300 small business seminars, workshops, awards, conferences and expos will be held across NSW during September exploring ways SMEs can use profit-building strategies.
Small Business September 2010 is an occasion for people in small business to extend their networks, develop their skills and build links with the many support organisations that exist to promote business success.
The workshops, seminars (real-time and virtual) and special events scheduled during the month, address important issues for small firms, including leadership, marketing, cashflow management, information technology and much more.
Small Business September 2010 events are designed specifically to help the State’s small business community.
The NSW Government recognises this contribution and supports small businesses in many different ways, by promoting business growth and investment, encouraging exports and innovation, and creating a better business climate.
The activities of the month are part of a suite of initiatives designed by the NSW Government to bolster this important sector.
One such initiative is the Business Advisory Service network located in 14 metropolitan and regional areas providing advice and information to start-up and existing businesses.
Another initiative is the Innovation Advisory Service (IAS) to help small businesses along the way to commercialising their innovative ideas.
Small Business September is organised by the Industry & Investment NSW, with organisational partners offering events.
The platinum sponsors are ANZ, Australia Post, Cumberland Courier, and Sensis .Gold sponsors are the City of Sydney, Netregistry and NRMA, while silver sponsors are CPA, EFIC, NSW Business Chamber and Virgin Blue.