NSW Government Quietly Axes Free Small Business Support Program
The NSW Government has quietly confirmed it will end Business Connect, a long-running program that provided small businesses and startups with free expert advice.
From 30 September 2025, this support will no longer be available after the state government chose not to renew its funding in the 2025-26 budget.
Since launching in 2017, Business Connect has helped tens of thousands of business owners access up to eight hours of tailored advice each year. Whether through one-on-one sessions, workshops, or specialist guidance, the program has aimed to make professional advice accessible to those who need it most, especially sole traders and early-stage founders.
A spokesperson for Service NSW, overseeing the program, stated they are currently working with providers to ensure a smooth transition for clients before the shutdown. Still, the quiet closure has raised concern across the business community come October 1.
“The Business Connect program is the only free service small businesses can access to troubleshoot genuine problems and help grow their enterprise,”
- Daniel Hunter, CEO of Business NSW.
What Business Connect Offered and Why it Mattered!
For many, Business Connect wasn’t just about advice - it was about confidence.
As accountants and advisors, we know that most small business owners are deeply skilled in what they do. But running a business comes with added pressure, from compliance to cash flow, and not everyone has the financial expertise or a sounding board when they need it.
The value of Business Connect lies in its flexibility. Whether a business was launching, growing, or facing unexpected challenges, owners could use the support however they needed. It filled gaps in knowledge, provided fresh perspective, and helped transform uncertainty into action.
As Martin Rogers, CEO of Realise Business, put it,
“The aim is being able to give the right advice for the right need with the right advisor.”
Millions Invested, But True Cost Remains Unclear
While the program clearly had reach and impact, the total cost of Business Connect over its lifetime has never been fully revealed.
Public records show that in 2020-21, the NSW Government injected $39.3 million to expand the program. An additional $5 million was earmarked in 2022 to support women-led businesses. However, with yearly funding cycles and special grants over the years, it’s likely the real figure is much higher.
Despite the funding uncertainty, the consistent demand and positive feedback from business owners indicate that Business Connect filled a real and ongoing need.
What’s Next for Small Business Support in NSW?
According to Service NSW, business owners can still access basic assistance through the Business Concierge service, which focuses on startup logistics and navigating government processes.
However, many in the sector are raising concerns: while helpful, the concierge service lacks the specialist, in-depth support that Business Connect provided, especially in areas like financial troubleshooting, forecasting, or strategic decision-making.
For regional businesses, culturally diverse founders, and those without a professional network, this could mean going without much-needed support.
At Under the Hood Forensic Accounting, we know just how critical sound financial advice can be when you're building or rebuilding a business.
We’re not a replacement for the full suite of services Business Connect offered, but if you’re feeling uncertain about your business’s numbers, structure, or financial risks, we can help you find clarity. Whether it’s reviewing your accounts, untangling a cash flow issue, or understanding where things might be going off track, we’re here to support you in the area we know best: your finances.
