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.

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Country North MLC, Mrs MacDonald said, “small businesses are the backbone of our local community”.

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“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,” Mrs. MacDonald said.

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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.

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“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. NSW leads the nation in business insolvencies,” Mrs. MacDonald said.

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“Despite strong feedback from small businesses on the real and practical benefits of Business Connect, Labor has pulled out the axe,” Mrs. MacDonald said. “At a time when our small businesses are struggling and should be supported, Labor has abandoned them instead.”  

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Business Connect is scheduled to end on 30 September 2025.

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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.