NSW Small Business Month Is Back

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward MP has today said that local companies across our region are being encouraged to take part in a month-long celebration of small business in October with a multitude of events across NSW.

Mr Ward said that NSW Small Business Month, which runs from 1st October to 31st October, was a fantastic opportunity for local firms and entrepreneurs to come together to celebrate the contribution of small businesses to the economy and to learn from each other.

“The Small Business Month is funded by the NSW Government through the Department of Industry, with the support of local councils, to provide events, practical information, ideas and networking to help businesses start-up and grow,” he said.

“It is about celebrating the 736,000 small to medium-sized businesses that make up 44 per cent of the state’s workforce and drive our economy.

“This year’s Small Business Month would build on the success of the inaugural event last year with more than 100 local councils taking part.

“There will be a range of free events across NSW focusing on areas including digital innovation, finance, business planning and resilience, construction, infrastructure development and health and wellbeing.

“Events will also include digital readiness for tradies, planning for growth, digital marketing workshops, how to start a business, pizza and pitch nights and a leadership breakfast with former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.

“All events are designed to help small business owners, both metropolitan and regional, improve their productivity, grow their business, and engage with other businesses striving for similar goals.

“I encourage all business owners and anyone thinking about starting a business to visit the event website businessmonth.nsw.gov.au and get involved,” Mr Ward said.

The NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said without small businesses the NSW economy wouldn’t be the powerhouse it is today.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy, they are what our economy is built on, representing almost 98 per cent of all NSW businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.

“As a former small business owner and now Minister for Small Business, I will do everything in my power to make it easier for businesses to operate and succeed here in NSW,” he said.