Mark Speakman
NSW Leader of the Opposition
Tim James
Shadow Minister for Small Business
The Minns Labor Government has delivered another blow to the state’s small businesses in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Service NSW Business Connect program.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small businesses are the engine room of our economy and the backbone of local communities.
“They’re run by mums and dads, and young entrepreneurs giving it a go.
“Cutting support like Business Connect doesn’t just hurt balance sheets; it hurts jobs, confidence, and the next generation of business owners.
“Government should be making it easier to succeed, not harder,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said the decision to defund the program was short-sighted and deeply damaging.
“The Minns Labor Government has turned its back on small businesses at a time when they are grappling with soaring costs, weak consumer confidence and economic uncertainty,” Mr James said. “NSW leads the nation in number of business insolvencies.”
Business Connect has supported thousands of small businesses across NSW by providing up to 8 hours of free, one-on-one tailored advice that assists businesses with strategic guidance, digital marketing, financial planning, business resilience and more.
“Business Connect has delivered real and tangible assistance to small businesses, but despite positive feedback from small business on the benefits, Labor has pulled out the axe.”
The program is now scheduled to end on 30 September 2025.
“These cuts will hurt already struggling small businesses. It’s not just a cut to advice, it’s a cut to confidence, innovation and jobs,” Mr James said. “It’s a cruel irony given Labor’s record spending and growing debt.”
The Liberal and National Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently reverse this decision and commit to continuing to fund Business Connect services.
“Small business owners deserve better than to be abandoned by the Minns Labor Government,” Mr James said.