As debate intensifies around productivity, tax reform and economic growth, more than 50 of the nation's leading policymakers, regulators and small business leaders will take the stage in Sydney for the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) National Small Business Summit 2026.
Taking place on 4-5 August, the Summit will bring together federal and state ministers, independent parliamentarians, Small Business Commissioners, senior regulators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to discuss the future of Australia's small business sector.
Opening the Summit will be The Hon. Janelle Saffin MP, NSW Minister for Recovery, Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast, highlighting New South Wales' role as home to more than 850,000 small businesses and one of Australia's largest small business economies.
Across the two-day program, delegates will hear from Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP; Shadow Minister for Small Business and Shadow Minister for Skills and Training Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price; Small Business Commissioners from across Australia; senior regulators; economists; entrepreneurs; and industry leaders, providing perspectives from across government, business and the broader small business community.
COSBOA CEO Skye Cappuccio said the Summit comes at a critical time.
"Australia's small business community is navigating significant economic and policy change, making it more important than ever that the people shaping those decisions come together with the organisations representing the sector," Ms Cappuccio said.
"One of the strengths of the National Small Business Summit is that it brings together people who don't often have the opportunity to have these conversations in the same room.
"Government, regulators, industry leaders and organisations representing Australia's small business community can openly debate the challenges, hear different perspectives and work towards practical solutions.
"The conversations that begin here don't finish when the Summit closes. They help shape policy, strengthen relationships and ensure the voice of small business is heard where it matters."
Beyond policy discussion, the Summit will explore how entrepreneurship, emerging technologies and regional economies are reshaping Australia's small business landscape. Delegates will hear directly from business owners about the realities of starting, scaling and sustaining a business, while sessions on innovation, artificial intelligence and cyber security will examine how businesses can adapt, compete and build resilience in a rapidly changing economy.
Regional Australia will feature prominently throughout the program, with discussions on cost-of-living pressures, operating costs, infrastructure, energy, connectivity and opportunities for long-term growth. Delegates will also hear from NSW Shadow Minister for Small Business and Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, Gurmesh Singh MP, who will open the second day with a regional perspective on the issues affecting businesses across the state.
Reflecting the growing influence of the crossbench in shaping national policy, the Summit will feature a dedicated session with Dai Le MP, Senator David Pocock, Zali Steggall OAM MP and Allegra Spender MP, examining the role of independent parliamentarians in a changing political landscape.
The Summit Gala Dinner on the evening of 4 August will feature an address from Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Senator the Hon. Jane Hume, who will also present the 2026 COSBOA Small Business Champion Award, recognising outstanding leadership and advocacy in support of Australia's small business community.
The COSBOA National Small Business Summit has become one of Australia's leading forums for small business policy, bringing together the people shaping decisions with those representing, supporting and advocating for the nation's 2.6 million small businesses.
To see the full program visit: www.cosboansbs.com.au/summit-program
#COSBOA26
