Business Connect Program axed

From Aileen MacDonald MLC

Minns Labor Government shuts down lifeline for small business owners.

The Minns Labor Government has delivered a blow to small businesses in Country North in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Business Connect program.

Country North MLC, Mrs MacDonald said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our local community. They’re run by mums and dads, family operators, and young entrepreneurs giving it a go. Cutting support like Business Connect doesn’t just hurt balance sheets, it hurts local jobs, confidence, and the next generation of business owners. Government should be making it easier to succeed, not harder.”

 Business Connect has supported thousands of small businesses across NSW by providing up to 8 hours of free, one-on-one tailored advice in areas such as strategic guidance, digital marketing, financial planning and business resilience.

Business Connect is scheduled to end on 30 September 2025. The Liberal and National Coalition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently reverse this decision and commit to continuing funding Business Connect services.