October is Small Business Month, a time to celebrate and support the backbone of local economies in NSW.
The state's 870,000 small businesses make up 97 per cent of all NSW businesses.
These small businesses employ 1.7 million people in NSW, which is about 40 per cent of the state's workforce.
This October, Small Business Month is about more than celebration - it's about action. Small businesses across NSW consistently tell us that red tape is one of their biggest barriers to growth, limiting productivity and innovation.
That's why, alongside a month of events to celebrate and support small business, the Minns Labor Government, through the NSW Small Business Commission is launching a targeted red tape initiative. Small business owners and their representative bodies are invited to share their experiences with compliance and compliance burden through a short survey or interview. These insights will help identify pain points and shape practical reforms to make it easier to do business in NSW.
Coinciding with Small Business Month, the survey will run from Wednesday 1 October until Friday 31 October 2025.
In addition to sharing red tape experiences, Small Business Month provides opportunities for small business owners to learn new skills, develop a business idea, build networks, and access advice and support.
The month-long event features a full calendar of online and face-to-face events, including workshops, webinars, and networking sessions across NSW. Aligned to individual business interests, the events cover a diverse range of topics such as social media, consumer behaviour, mental health, business growth, cyber security, workplace health and safety, and more.
October is also Indigenous Business Month which aims to inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Aboriginal people make up 3 per cent of the population in NSW, but only 1 per cent of small businesses. The theme for this year is strength through collaboration, highlighting the power of Indigenous businesses working together.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring there is a thriving NSW small business sector and have already delivered, or are in the process of delivering, key initiatives including:
Vibrancy reforms - more than 800 new businesses have joined the night-time economy, growing the sector by 1.6 per cent and cementing NSW as a world class nighttime destination. New reforms, announced on Saturday, have made it easier for businesses and communities to stage events, host live performances, and activate outdoor spaces.
Procurement changes - it is now easier for government agencies to buy directly for small and medium businesses without going to tender, resulting in the NSW Government's spend on these businesses surpassing $10 billion for the first time.
Mutual Recognition Scheme - mobile businesses, like fitness trainers and food trucks, will soon be able to operate across different councils without needing multiple approvals.
ASEAN Market update and opportunities for NSW businesses - events held in Western Sydney, Wollongong, Northern Rivers and Wagga Wagga.
Small businesses are encouraged to share their experiences with red tape and compliance via an online survey.
To explore and register to attend Small Business Month events, please visit: nsw.gov.au/nsw-small-business-month
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
"Small businesses are the beating heart of the state's economy, and they provide immeasurable social and cultural benefits beyond their economic contributions.
"The government is always looking at ways we can support small businesses to thrive, and Small Business Month is a great opportunity to hear from the small business community and have those conversations.
"We have delivered a lot of great reform but it's clear there is more to do, especially when it comes to compliance and high costs, and we remain focused on delivering lasting, meaningful support for small businesses across our state.
"I encourage everyone to support the thousands of small business owners across NSW this October as they come together to learn, connect, grow and make the most of Small Business Month for their business."
Acting NSW Small Business Commissioner Catherine Ellis said:
"By sharing your experience with us you will help inform the Commission's work with government, industry groups and other stakeholders to reduce red tape and make it easier for small businesses to operate in NSW."
"NSW Small Business Month is a powerful opportunity to showcase resilience, creativity and collaboration, celebrating the role played by the state's 870,000 small businesses in powering the NSW economy."
