The NSW Government’s Business Connect program will cease operations on 30 September 2025, ending eight years of free business advisory services for small and medium enterprises across the state.
The program, which launched in 2017, has supported over 50,000 small businesses by providing up to eight hours of free, one-on-one tailored advice each financial year. Services included strategic guidance, digital marketing support, financial planning, and business resilience training.
Business Connect operated through a network of independent advisers with business experience and qualifications in business-related disciplines. The advisers provided practical insights and skills development through individual sessions and group events.
What Business Connect offered
Service NSW Business Connect provided small businesses with access to:
- Free, tailored business advice from independent advisors
- Up to eight hours of consultation per financial year
- One-on-one sessions covering business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and digital transformation
- Group events and workshops
- Online resources and support materials
The program was designed to support businesses at every stage of their journey, from startup to growth phases.
Impact on employment relations
Employment relations experts have highlighted concerns about the program’s closure. Stephen Roebuck, Associate Director of Consultancy, noted several potential implications for small businesses.
“The phase-out of NSW Business Connect and shift to the Service NSW Business Bureau may have several employment relations impacts on small business in NSW,” Roebuck said.
Roebuck identified specific areas of concern, including reduced access to employment relations-focused advisory support. “Businesses may no longer have access to the tailored support through Business Connect. This highlights the need to engage third part professionals to help reduce risk of non-compliance,” he said.
He also warned of potential delays in accessing support. “Whilst it is too early to tell, Service NSW Business Bureau may not offer the same tailored support as its predecessor. Again, this exposes small businesses to increased legal ramifications.”
Another concern is the loss of access to employment relations resources. “Knowledge is power when running a small business, this again reinforces the need to engage third party specialists to help business understand their obligations and address knowledge gap, such as those under the Fair Work Act,” Roebuck said.
“Small businesses should plan ahead, stay informed, identify knowledge and employment relations gaps and consider engaging third party employment relations specialists,” he advised.
What’s next
With Business Connect ending in September, small businesses that have relied on the program will need to seek alternative sources of business advice and support.
The government has indicated that some services will continue through the Service NSW Business Bureau, though the extent and nature of this support remains unclear.
Small business owners currently using Business Connect services are advised to:
- Complete any ongoing advice sessions before the September deadline
- Identify key areas where they may need ongoing support
- Research alternative advisory services and providers
- Consider engaging private business consultants or industry specialists
Businesses can continue to access Business Connect services until 30 September 2025.
Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
