September 2025 update from the Commission

Celebrate NSW Small Business Month this October.  Join the NSW Small Business Commission and a network of government, industry, not-for-profit and private organisations in celebrating the vital contribution of small businesses across the state.  

As part of Small Business Month, the Commission is running a ‘red tape’ survey and consultation program. This initiative is to hear directly from small businesses about the regulatory pain points that slow them down. This is your chance to share experiences with licensing, permits, reporting and compliance processes, so we can identify practical opportunities to simplify systems and make it easier to do business in NSW. This feedback will inform future reforms and ensure your voice is at the centre of change.  

Survey Link: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/consultation-red-tape 

The Commission is also hosting a series of on demand and live webinars on topics ranging from mental health to workforce growth, and our collaboration partners are delivering hundreds of online and in-person events tailored to your business needs.  

You can register now for our live webinar on cyber safety on 29 October. In this session you will hear directly from government experts, support services and get practical tips and strategies to help you protect and respond to cyber threats to your business. 

Explore the full program and register now to make the most of this unique opportunity to grow your business and connect with others in the small business community.  

‘Focus on the experience, not just the product,’ is the sage advice of successful small business owner Patricio Rodriguez. His business, Breath Trailer, hit half a million dollars in sales within only two months of its launch. Read his tips for small business owners who are starting out or looking to grow their small business. 

Before committing to a loan, it is important to understand the benefits and trade-offs between different lending options: Aside from traditional lenders, there are non-bank financial institutions and alternative lenders. Consider speaking with an accountant or business advisor to help you choose the option that best suits your business needs. 

Most small businesses have a commercial lease in place and, in many cases, the landlord will ask for a personal guarantee as part of the lease arrangement. Tenants should be aware of the risks and know how to negotiate fairer terms. 

Small businesses may wish to consider forming a co-operative (co-op), which can increase buying power and scale while ensuring independence. However, before doing so it is important to understand the advantages and challenges of co-ops, as well as the financing options available. 

A ban has been placed on e-bike devices on Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Metro services . This could impact small businesses, including delivery workers who rely on carrying e-bikes on trains. They are encouraged to check their equipment and ensure compliance to avoid penalties. 

The August 2025 Small Business Momentum Survey is now available. It shows that small business confidence stabilised between July and August, remaining at 27 per cent. To register your interest in participating in the Momentum Survey, visit here.