NSW Opposition Slams Minns Govt for Axing ‘Lifeline’ Business Connect Program

Conor's Corner

"Disappointed to see that funding for Business Connect is under pressure. Hopefully a better solution will be found which will incorporate MyMoneyMedic, where we can provide real value.

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NSW Opposition calls for urgent reversal of Business Connect cuts

The NSW Opposition has fiercely criticised Premier Chris Minns’ Labor government after it opted not to renew the Business Connect program in the 2025–26 state budget—resulting in the initiative’s scheduled end on 30 September 2025

What is Business Connect?

Launched in 2017, Business Connect offered up to eight hours of free, personalised advice annually to more than 60,000 small businesses and startups statewide. Expert consultants helped with strategic planning, digital marketing, financial resilience, and more.

Opposition’s reaction

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman warned cutting the service isn’t merely a budgetary decision—it’s a threat to job creation, entrepreneurial confidence, and NSW's economic backbone. Shadow Small Business Minister Tim James described the decision as “short‑sighted and deeply damaging,” noting that NSW is leading Australia in business insolvencies and cannot afford to lose this support.

Business community voices concern

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter and service providers have raised the alarm over the looming support vacuum. They stress there's no comparable substitute available after September—despite the government’s assurance that the Service NSW Business Concierge will fill the gap.

Martin Rogers, CEO of Realise Business (a program delivery partner), explained that beyond technical advice, Business Connect provided indispensable confidence and guidance—particularly for early-stage entrepreneurs and disadvantaged groups.

Budget priorities questioned

The Opposition has challenged the Minns government to justify why it could not allocate a relatively modest sum—reportedly around A$10 million—to continue the program. “A government that finds billions elsewhere can’t find this?” Tim James pressed.

What’s next?

The Opposition, along with Business NSW and provider networks, is demanding an urgent reversal of the funding cut. They’re urging Minns to commit to ongoing support—or at the very least, deliver a transitional plan ahead of the 30 September deadline.

Why it matters

• SMEs are the state’s economic engine: Losing access to Business Connect risks weakening small business health and survival.

• Timing is critical: With insolvencies rising and costs increasing, removing personalised support could accelerate closures and job losses.

• Policy implication: The decision signals a shift away from targeted small business assistance toward centrally managed, generic services—and critics say it may miss the nuanced needs of struggling entrepreneurs.

💡 Final take

As small businesses across NSW brace for what comes after September, the pressure mounts on the Minns government to respond. Will there be a reversal, a scaled‑back compromise, or will NSW small businesses be left without their trusted business helpline?