The NSW Government has announced a $37 million Small Business Advisory Program as part of the 2026–27 State Budget. The initiative will replace the former Business Connect program and aims to provide practical advice and support to small businesses across New South Wales.
The program is designed to help business owners improve their operations, strengthen business capability, and make informed decisions in an increasingly competitive market.
What support can small businesses expect?
The new advisory program is expected to offer guidance across a range of business areas, including:
- Business planning and strategy
- Financial management
- Digital transformation
- Marketing and customer growth
- Business resilience and long-term sustainability
For many small business owners, access to experienced advisers can provide valuable insights when navigating growth opportunities, operational challenges, or changing market conditions.
Industry response
The announcement has generally been welcomed by the business community, particularly following the closure of the previous Business Connect program. However, several industry groups have noted that advisory services are only one part of the solution.
Business NSW has highlighted that many businesses continue to face significant challenges, including rising operating costs, payroll tax pressures, insurance premiums, regulatory compliance, and ongoing skills shortages. While access to expert advice is valuable, broader policy measures that improve business confidence and reduce the cost of doing business remain important priorities.
Earlier consultations conducted by the NSW Government also found that many business owners wanted future advisory services to provide more specialised, industry-focused guidance that is tailored to businesses at different stages of their growth journey.
Why this matters
Every business reaches a point where important decisions need to be made—whether it’s investing for growth, improving profitability, bringing in new partners, planning succession, or preparing for a future sale.
Having access to trusted advice can help business owners make those decisions with greater confidence. Government-funded advisory programs can provide an excellent starting point, while specialist advisers can offer deeper commercial expertise in areas such as business transactions, valuation, and exit planning.
Our Perspective
The introduction of a new Small Business Advisory Program is a positive step for NSW’s small business community. Providing business owners with access to experienced advisers can help improve decision-making, strengthen operations, and encourage long-term growth.
At the same time, advice alone cannot eliminate every challenge. Many SMEs continue to operate in an environment shaped by rising costs, labour shortages, financing pressures, and succession planning considerations. These issues require not only practical guidance but also strategic planning.
For business owners considering expansion, acquisition, or an eventual exit, combining government advisory support with commercial expertise can help build a stronger long-term strategy.
At Sinosmart Business Brokers, we work closely with business owners through every stage of the business lifecycle—from growth planning and acquisitions to business sales, succession planning, and exit strategies. We believe successful businesses are built not only through strong day-to-day operations, but also through well-informed strategic decisions that create lasting value.
