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Current as of Thursday, 02 March 2023.
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NSW Small Business Strategy 2023-26
What we heard
The NSW Government continually engages and consults with small businesses through the NSW Small Business Commissioner as their advocate within NSW Government. The Commissioner regularly seeks the views of small business owners through the monthly Small Business Momentum Survey, and represents them through formal submissions to Government, as well as participation in Government committees.
To develop the strategy, we conducted:
A Have Your Say survey between May and June 2022, which received 464 responses from small business owners and representatives.
9 Focus groups with 30 industry representatives across multiple small business sectors.
11 Written submissions from small business industry bodies received.
Consultations with 5 Aboriginal peak organisations and representatives.
1:1 Interviews with key government stakeholders across 18 Commonwealth and NSW agencies.
Industry noted five key areas where more help would strengthen the sector:
These consultations identified that many positive actions have been taken over the five years of the previous Strategy, and the small business sector is strong. Businesses appreciated actions to reduce tax and red tape, train more skilled workers, and promote cash flow from government procurement.
Economic environment
Maintain the current strength in the economy to manage disruptions from inflationary pressures and challenges around labour, skills and industrial relations.
Preparing for future disruptions
Promote access to affordable insurance and capacity to adapt business practices.
Regulation
Continuing to drive regulation and compliance requirements that are right-sized and support good business practice, and are designed through close consultation with the sector.
Doing business with NSW Government
Further reducing barriers and making it easier to supply products and services to government.
Finding and accessing information and support
Continue to improve our websites and services to enable small businesses to access relevant information when and how they want to.
To meet these challenges, business owners told us they wanted to spend less time interacting with Government and more time on their businesses, a fair go regardless of their size, location or industry, and the skills needed to run their businesses.
Case study: Moving on from adapting to growing
Patrick from Wollondilly Shire provides a learning environment for
creative development through music and the arts. Following a period of adapting the business during the disruptions of bushfires and COVID-19, Patrick wanted to grow his customer base, as well as increase his marketing and community engagement.
With his Business Connect Advisor, Patrick has been developing his business and strategic plan; working on his brand and key messaging; staff training to ensure quality and consistent service delivery; and partnering with local community organisations.
The business has grown by attracting new students through an ‘open day’, building new business relationships and attracting funding through a Council Community Grant. The Academy has moved from a home studio to new premises and the next stage of growth will include recruiting more teachers.