Minister’s foreword

Small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities and pivotal to the prosperity of our state. 

Over the last few years, small businesses have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of natural disasters and the COVID pandemic. Small business operators have  demonstrated true grit and resilience to push through some very difficult times.

The NSW Government has stood shoulder to shoulder with the sector throughout this  period. Working with local and federal government, we introduced a range of direct measures including JobSaver, flood and bushfire recovery supports, and payroll tax relief. These measures enabled small business to do what it does best: keep doors open, employ people and provide for our communities. As a result NSW is home to more small businesses than any other State or Territory in Australia.

Since 2011, the Government has supported the sector by maintaining a strong economic environment and making reforms that deliver opportunities for small business.  We have made record infrastructure investments, lowered taxes, promoted the visitor economy through Destination NSW and attracted international trade and investment to create jobs at home. 

Our NSW business environment is built on a low regulation and low tax foundation. The Regional Growth Fund and Regional Business Development Event Fund promote opportunities throughout our State. We delivered on the last NSW Small Business  strategy, released in 2017, by increasing the payroll tax threshold, expanding Service NSW for Business and updating government policy to improve small business cash flow.

The NSW Small Business Strategy 2023-26 renews our commitment to the sector,  outlines practical steps that will help small businesses to start, grow and thrive, and acknowledges and celebrates the many ways in which small businesses contribute  to making NSW a great place to live, work and do business. 

In valuing small business, it is important to recognise the incredible diversity of the sector. Our Strategy recognises the varied needs of different small businesses, and will support the entire sector, from small, locally-focused retail and hospitality outlets to manufacturing and digital businesses exporting to the world.

This Strategy also commits to actions to support female, Aboriginal and Culturally  and Linguistically Diverse business owners as well as greater inclusion of people with disability. 

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this strategy. It is an important step in our State’s economic and social development, and I look forward to the NSW Government continuing this collaboration in the future.
 

The Hon. Victor Dominello - Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government.