Support for your business with Business Connect
Get independent business advice, practical insights and business skills training on a range of topics for your small business.
Business Connect small business support
Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program. It provides advice, events and resources to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business.
One-to-one business advisory sessions are complemented with a range of events and resources providing practical insights and business skills development.
Business Connect advisors are independent professionals. They have experience running their own business, qualifications in a business-related discipline, and advisory experience. Search for an advisor who meets your business needs.
More than 46,000 NSW customers have accessed support through Business Connect, with 98% of customers likely to recommend the program to other businesses. Hear inspiring stories from real businesses who have been supported by Business Connect.
What Business Connect can offer you
Business Connect supports NSW businesses as they navigate the challenges in starting, running, adapting and growing their business. Personalised advice and practical information can be provided on a range of business topics to help you achieve business success.
If you want to start a business
If you have a new business idea, but aren’t sure how to take it further, Business Connect can help:
- evaluate your idea and develop a business plan
- understand your target customers through market research
- consider your business structure
- connect you to other support to get you started and increase your chance of success.
Search and register for an upcoming 'how to start a business' event, or go to the online resources and search for our 'how to start a business' videos.
Attending this introductory event will allow you to book an advisory session to test your business idea.
If you already have a business
Business Connect can support your business with advice and practical tips on a range of topics including:
- business planning
- market to reach new customers
- grow your digital presence and social media
- access finance and manage cash flow
- sales and pricing strategies
- adopt digital tools
- innovation
- cyber security
- sell to government.
Browse and sign up for Business Connect services.
Businesses affected by a natural disaster or COVID-19
For businesses affected by a natural disaster or COVID-19, Business Connect can help to:
- work out priorities and next steps
- develop a business or recovery plan
- manage cashflow and access finance
- connect to other government support and professional services
- innovate and implement digital tools such as ecommerce
- market your business to reach new customers
Business Connect support is fully funded by the NSW Government for eligible small businesses.
Service NSW for Business offers free, personalised support and information to business owners impacted by COVID-19 or natural disasters. A Business Concierge can help you apply for grants or financial assistance, navigate government requirements and understand changes to government regulations. Call 13 77 88 or register for a call back.
Accessing Business Connect services
You can access Business Connect services in several ways. Find out how to book and eligibility criteria.
Business Connect service providers
Business Connect advisory sessions and events are delivered by organisations that were engaged through competitive procurement processes. Agreements are in place until June 2025.
If your organisation is interested in the opportunity to deliver Business Connect manufacturing sector specialist services, visit 2023 manufacturing sector specialist services.
| NSW region/specialist service | Business Connect organisation |
|---|---|
| Central West, Far West & Orana | Central NSW Business HQ |
| Hunter & Central Coast | The Business Centre |
| New England, North West & North Coast | NORTEC |
| Illawarra, South East & Tablelands & Riverina Murray | Enterprise Plus (formerly Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre) |
North, South & Eastern Sydney Access to Finance specialist (all NSW) | Realise Business |
| Western Sydney | Western Sydney Business Centre Epiphany Group |
| Multicultural specialist (all NSW) | Community Migrant Resource Centre |
| Creative industries specialist (all NSW) | Creative Plus Business |
| Procurement specialist (all NSW) | NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce |
If you are interested in becoming an advisor, you should contact one of the provider organisations about any future opportunities. If you need assistance with this, please call 13 77 88 or register for a call back with Service NSW Business Concierge.
Business Connect program results
Find out the size, type and location of supported businesses, and more. Read our program results.