The NSW Opposition is concerned that the Labor government will shut down a support program that has assisted New South Wales businesses. In a media release issued today, the Opposition outlined the benefits of the program.

"The Minns Labor Government has doubled down on shutting the successful Business Connect program tomorrow, one day before Small Business Month begins this week. 

Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey will spend Small Business Month claiming to celebrate enterprise, spinning out token announcements and blaming everyone but themselves, when the truth is they shut down the one program that delivered real help.
 
Business Connect has delivered free, expert advice to more than 60,000 small businesses, supported over 40,000 jobs and returned $1.50 for every $1 invested. In one survey 96% of participants reported satisfaction and 98% said they would recommend the program.  

Forecasting shows that if Business Connect had continued, more than 13,500 small businesses a year would have been supported by 2032, with each year almost 7,000 full time jobs backed and more than $5 million in net economic benefit delivered.  

Instead of backing small business, Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey have axed a program with a proven record of growth and survival. At the very time Business Connect ends, according to the latest Business NSW Business Conditions Survey data shows:  

    97% of businesses are struggling with productivity

    65% are hit by rising costs

    42% face skills shortages

    41% are weighed down by red tape  

NSW is now the worst state in the country for business insolvencies, both in total and per head. In 2024-25 a record 7,643 businesses were forced into insolvency – a 26% rise in just one year.

NSW Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small business is the backbone of our economy.

“Axing Business Connect the day before Small Business Month insults every mum, dad and young person giving it a go. The Premier found $7.9 million for a political deal for a new taxpayer-funded gun lobby advocacy body, but nothing for small business.” Mr Speakman said. 

Shadow Treasurer, Damien Tudehope said Business Connect returned more than it cost. For every $1.00 invested, it delivered $1.50 back.

“At a time when insolvencies are at record highs, this is exactly the wrong program to axe,” Mr Tudehope said.   

Shadow Minister for Small Business, Tim James said Business Connect is practical, personal and proven.

“It gives small business owners real advice on planning, finance and resilience. Instead of standing with the people who keep our communities going, Labor has axed a lifeline and left families to fend for themselves,” Mr James said.  

Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said from start-ups to advanced manufacturing, every thriving industry relies on programs like Business Connect.

“Labor has cut jobs, cut growth and chosen politics over people,” Mr Coure said.   

The closure comes as the majority of Business Connect clients were micro businesses with fewer than four employees and 60% were women, most seeking advice on business planning, marketing and starting up.  

Even in September alone, Business Connect ran practical events across the state, from tender readiness workshops for start-ups, to Aboriginal business procurement for government pitches seminars in the Hunter, to small business planning sessions in Western Sydney and digital marketing workshops for creative professionals. All of that ends on the eve of Small Business Month.  

Instead of supporting small business, the Minns Labor Government has found $7.9 million for a deal with the Shooters Party to set up a new gun lobby dominated Conservation Hunting Authority that will be required to promote hunting regardless of evidence."