FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is MyBusinessMyVoice.com.au?

MyBusinessMyVoice.com.au is a campaign platform that gives small business owners across New South Wales the opportunity to share their voices and advocate for the continued funding of the Business Connect program. This website serves as a central hub for small business owners to tell their stories, express their concerns, and demonstrate the vital importance of free, independent business advisory services to the NSW economy.

What is Business Connect and why does it matter?

Business Connect is a dedicated NSW Government program that has provided free, tailored, and independent business advice to small businesses for over 30 years. The program connects eligible NSW small business owners with experienced advisors who offer one-on-one support across areas including business planning, marketing, cash flow management, and digital transformation. Business Connect matters because it has supported over 60,000 small businesses, helped sustain more than 15,000 jobs, and provided over 211,000 hours of business support throughout its operation.

Why is the Business Connect program being defunded?

The NSW Government has decided to end the current Business Connect program on 30 September 2025 as part of budget restructuring. Instead of continuing the proven model of personalised, independent advisory services, the government plans to replace it with a centralised "business concierge service" that will provide scripted responses and generic online resources rather than tailored, one-on-one advice from experienced business advisors.

How has Business Connect helped small businesses in NSW?

Business Connect has been instrumental in helping small businesses across NSW start, grow, adapt, and recover from challenges. Examples from business testimonials include:

• JRP Studios growing from early beginnings to a successful Fine Art Print business during COVID-19 restrictions
• Cassie CG Creations Leather advancing significantly in her business journey through tailored support
• Safe Swallowing Education successfully launching an online education business that literally saves lives
• Collectiv. Accounting growing by over 1300% in their first year with Business Connect guidance

What kind of support does Business Connect provide?

Business Connect provides comprehensive business support including:

• Up to 8 hours of free, one-on-one advice per financial year
• Business planning and strategic guidance
• Marketing and customer acquisition strategies
• Cash flow management and finance advice
• Digital transformation and e-commerce implementation
• Access to government programs and professional services
• Networking opportunities and industry connections
• Confidential, independent advice from experienced business owners

Who is eligible for Business Connect services?

Any small business owner or individual considering starting a new business in NSW can access Business Connect services. Eligibility includes:

• Current NSW small business owners
• Individuals planning to start a business in NSW
• Businesses across all industries
• Both metropolitan and regional businesses
• Businesses at any stage of development (startup, growth, adaptation, or expansion)

What will replace Business Connect?

The NSW Government plans to replace the personalised Business Connect program with a centralised "business concierge service." This new model will offer:

• Scripted responses instead of tailored advice
• Centralised online portals rather than local advisors
• Generic resources instead of personalised support
• No ongoing relationship building or follow-up support
• Reduced access to independent, confidential advice

How can I share my Business Connect story?

You can share your experience with Business Connect by visiting the "Share Your Story" section on our website. Simply complete the online form detailing:

• Your business name and location
• How Business Connect has supported your business
• What kind of support you believe small businesses need most
• Any message you'd like to share with the NSW Government
• Permission to publish your story as part of the campaign

How many businesses will be affected by the Business Connect defunding?

The defunding affects NSW's substantial small business community, which comprises over 873,000 businesses representing 97% of all businesses in the state. These businesses contribute over $530 billion to NSW's annual sales and service income and employ 1.8 million people. With over 4,500 small businesses entering insolvency in the past year, the need for personalised business support has never been greater.

What can I do to support the campaign?

There are several ways to support the MyBusinessMyVoice campaign:

• Share your Business Connect story on the website
• Use the hashtag #mybusinessmyvoice on social media
• Contact your local NSW Government representatives
• Encourage other business owners to share their experiences
• Spread awareness about the campaign through your networks
• Participate in any advocacy activities or events organised through the platform

When does the Business Connect program end?

The current Business Connect program is scheduled to end on 30 September 2025. After this date, the existing network of independent business advisors and tailored support services will no longer be available to NSW small businesses. This gives business owners a limited window to access the program's services and to advocate for its continuation.

Are there alternatives to Business Connect in other states?

While other Australian states have their own small business support programs, Business Connect has been unique in NSW for its combination of free, independent, tailored advice delivered through experienced local advisors. The 30-year track record of both Labour and Coalition governments supporting this model demonstrates its effectiveness and cross-party recognition of its value to the small business community.

How do I contact current Business Connect providers?

Current Business Connect services are delivered through approved independent organisations across NSW. You can access these services by:

• Calling Service NSW on 13 77 88
• Visiting the Service NSW website
• Contacting local Business Connect providers directly
• Attending Business Connect events and workshops in your area

What evidence supports Business Connect's effectiveness?

Business Connect's effectiveness is demonstrated through:

• Support for over 60,000 small businesses since inception
• Sustaining more than 15,000 jobs across NSW
• Delivery of over 211,000 hours of business support
• High client satisfaction rates (up to 98% in some regions)
• Numerous success stories of business growth and adaptation
• Strong testimonials from diverse industry sectors
• Recognition from business chambers and industry bodies

Can I still access Business Connect services now?

Yes, Business Connect services remain available until 30 September 2025. Small business owners can still access up to 8 hours of free support per financial year, attend events and workshops, and receive one-on-one advice from independent advisors. To access these services while they're still available, contact Service NSW or visit the Business Connect program information section.

How does this affect regional NSW businesses?

Regional NSW businesses will be particularly impacted by the Business Connect defunding as they often have limited access to alternative business support services. Regional Business Connect providers have developed deep understanding of local economic conditions, industry challenges, and community needs. The loss of these personalised, locally-delivered services will create a significant support gap for rural and regional small businesses.

What is the economic impact of small businesses in NSW?

Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy, representing:

• Over 873,000 businesses (97% of all NSW businesses)
• More than $530 billion in annual sales and service income
• Employment for 1.8 million people across the state
• Significant contributions to local community economic development
• Essential services and innovation across diverse industry sectors

The economic significance of this sector underscores why targeted business support programs like Business Connect are crucial for maintaining NSW's economic competitiveness.

How can the NSW Government be contacted about this issue?

To contact the NSW Government about Business Connect, you can:

• Submit feedback through the MyBusinessMyVoice campaign platform
• Contact your local NSW Parliament members directly
• Engage with relevant NSW Government departments
• Participate in public consultations or submissions
• Use official government feedback channels
• Join with business chambers and industry associations in advocacy efforts

What makes Business Connect different from generic business advice?

Business Connect differs significantly from generic business advice through:

• Independent advisors with real small business experience
• Tailored, one-on-one consultation rather than scripted responses
• Confidential advice specific to individual business circumstances
• Ongoing relationship building and follow-up support
• Local understanding of regional business conditions
• Connection to relevant government programs and professional services
• Flexible delivery methods (in-person, phone, or online)

Where can I find more information about the campaign?

For comprehensive information about the MyBusinessMyVoice campaign, visit:

• The main website at mybusinessmyvoice.com.au
• News and media updates
• Social media channels using #mybusinessmyvoice
• About section for detailed background information
• Business Connect provider websites for current service information

This FAQ page supports small business owners in understanding the MyBusinessMyVoice campaign and the importance of maintaining accessible, independent business advisory services in NSW. For urgent business support needs, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 before the Business Connect program ends on 30 September 2025.