The Business Connect program has supported over 60,000 NSW businesses since 2017.
The snapshot below shows how the program has assisted businesses since the launch of the Service NSW Business Bureau in October 2023.
The information is for the period from 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024.
12,245
Number of small businesses supported
53,943
Hours of support for NSW businesses
25,216
Hours of support for regional businesses
What we have achieved
3,982
referrals to government programs
98%
of customers likely to recommend the program
6,526
connections to local and specialist commercial services, such as accountants, bookkeepers or web developers
96%
overall satisfaction with the service
794
events run across NSW
Business snapshot
Stage
- 42% established businesses
- 47% startups
- 8% intenders
- 2% exiters
Structure
- 46% sole traders
- 23% other
- 21% companies
- 6% partnerships
- 3% not-for-profits
- 1% trusts
- 1% co-operatives
Size
- 67% no employees
- 26% 1-4 employees
- 6% 5-19 employees
- 1% 20+ employees
Top 3 business topics
- Business planning
- Marketing
- Starting a business
Our customers
Age
- 4% aged under 25
- 20% aged 25-34
- 31% aged 35-44
- 25% aged 45-54
- 15% aged 55-64
- 4% aged 65+
- 1% did not provide
Gender
- 60% female
- 40% male
Location
- 47% regional
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
- 3% Aboriginal customers
Business Connect customer feedback
“My Business Connect advisor’s insight and experience helped me turn my ideas into a sustainable and achievable strategic plan for my business. It's a great program and I will recommend it to everyone.”
Online retailer, Sydney
“It was great to have someone to bounce ideas off and brainstorm. Having this type of support is crucial as being a business owner can be an isolating experience.”
Healthcare provider, Northern Rivers
"I'm very grateful to be part of this program. As a small business owner, it is impossible to know all the aspects of business and the best way to go about tasks. Regular meetings with my adviser have improved my business."
Food service business owner, Mid North Coast
“I received very informative advice, and got help on the next steps to starting my business. It motivated me to continue my journey and supported the research I'd already done.”
Sole trader start-up, Western Sydney
“The procurement specialist advisor quickly understood my business. Their advice was very relevant and useful. I would highly recommend Business Connect.”
Business owner looking to sell to government, Sydney eastern suburbs
“My Business Connect advisor was exceptionally helpful, they were able to answer any questions I had and offered excellent ideas, thoughts and suggestions. This is a really valuable service, thank you.”
Fitness instructor, inner west Sydney