How Business Connect works
Business Connect supports NSW small businesses and people who want to start a business with personalised advice, events and online resources. Find out how to book and access services.
Book a Business Connect advisor or event
Find an advisor or upcoming event
Search and choose an advisor from over 100 experienced, independent professionals. Filter by keyword, Local Government Area, business topic or industry.
Browse upcoming in-person and online events on a range of business topics.
Register with Business Connect
When you find the right advisor or event, you'll need to log in or register if it's your first time using Business Connect.
Book your session or event
The advisor will contact you within 1 business day to arrange a suitable time for your session.
If you have registered for an event, you will receive a confirmation email with event details.
Access online toolkit resources anytime
Get practical tips and insights by accessing recorded webinars, guides and podcasts in your own time. You can access the Business Connect online resources 24/7 without the need to register.
Search resources by business topic or keyword.
If you have a new business idea
Attend an introductory ‘how to start a business’ event to help you prepare yourself for a one-to-one advisory session where you can discuss, evaluate and plan your next steps to turn your idea into a business.
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.
Need more help? Speak with Service NSW Business Concierge
Call 1300 134 359 or register for a call back to speak with Service NSW Business Concierge who will assist you with connecting to a Business Connect advisor or provider organisation to register and book services.
Service NSW Business Concierge offers free, personalised support to business owners. They can help you access support, apply for grants and financial assistance, navigate government requirements and understand change to regulations.
Eligibility for Business Connect
If you own or operate a small business or are thinking of starting a new business in NSW, you can access Business Connect support.
Business Connect also supports social enterprises, co-operatives and trusts who employ staff and operate in the same manner as a business or enterprise.
You must have the right to live and work in Australia and be a resident of NSW and/or have your business premises located in NSW.
Former international students with post study work right visas are eligible, including 485 visa holders. You can check your visa entitlements or find out more about business migration to NSW.
Charities, volunteer groups, trade associations and organisations that are not trading as a business or enterprise are not eligible for Business Connect.
Terms and conditions
To access Business Connect services you will need to agree to Business Connect terms and conditions when you sign up.
As part of the sign-up you will be asked to provide personal and business-related information. The terms and conditions detail the relevant privacy policy and describe how your information will be kept confidential and secure.
Services are free
Business Connect support is fully funded by the NSW Government for eligible small businesses and individuals thinking of starting a new business in NSW.
For some events, you may be asked to pay a deposit by the service provider delivering that event to confirm your booking.
Customers receiving support will typically access up to 8 hours of support per financial year, including business advice sessions and events.
Translation and interpreting
Business Connect offers Arabic, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin and Vietnamese speaking business advisors. Search 'multicultural' or your preferred language in the search bar on the advisor page or call 1300 134 359 or register for a call back with Service NSW Business Concierge who will assist you with connecting to a multicultural advisor.
Business Connect advisory sessions are also available in other languages through an interpreter. Let any business advisor know and they will arrange a phone interpreter for your session.
If you require a sign language interpreter, your business advisor can book an interpreter through Auslan Services.
Contact us
Call 1300 134 359 or register for a call back with Service NSW Business Concierge who will assist you with connecting to an advisor, registering for an event or to find out more about the program.
Give feedback
After your first advisory session and after attending an event you will be asked to complete a short survey to provide feedback.
To provide additional feedback, contact us in the way that suits you.