NSW Small Business Brief

Connecting with Small Business

I'm now three months into my role as the NSW Small Business Commissioner and I've spent that time meeting with small business owners, industry representatives and business leaders across New South Wales. These conversations are an important opportunity to hear about the experiences of running a business today, understand the challenges being faced, and discuss what can be done to better support small businesses.

A consistent message has emerged from these conversations. While the challenges faced by businesses can vary across industries and regions, many business owners are looking for the same things: practical and proportionate regulation, accessible and responsive government support, and genuine opportunities for their experiences to inform policy and program design.

I also had the opportunity to meet with small businesses who are challenging how small businesses operate.  In Wagga Wagga I met with three small businesses who had joined forces to rent a retail space and had found synergies in their business - expanding their customer base for each individual business, supporting one another in the daily running of their business while maintaining the independence of their ownership of their own small businesses. 

In September and October, I look forward to continuing these conversations across metropolitan and regional NSW. Listening to the experiences of small businesses remains at the heart of my role, and the insights shared with me continue to inform my work as NSW Small Business Commissioner.   

At the Commission, my team is preparing for NSW Small Business Month this October, a time to celebrate the contribution of small businesses to our communities, economy and way of life. I encourage you to explore the events on offer, invest in your business and professional development, and connect with fellow business owners. 

Keep reading to learn more about the support, services, events and resources available to help your business thrive.

Mediation in Action: Resolving a Commercial Lease Dispute

Even well-intentioned business arrangements can become complex. A recent dispute between a property owner and a medical tenant highlights how mediation can deliver practical, fair outcomes.

A doctor leasing a commercial suite initially appeared to be a strong, reliable tenant. However, over time, small but recurring rent arrears and irregular payments created uncertainty for the property owner, who depended on consistent income to meet mortgage obligations.

As the lease approached its end, arrears had accumulated and the situation escalated when the premises were vacated without notice. The owner was left concerned about outstanding payments and the future of the tenancy.

The managing agent contacted the NSW Small Business Commission, with mediation arranged within a few weeks.

Mediation provided a structured and neutral setting for both parties to share their perspectives. Importantly, it revealed underlying issues that had not been previously communicated. The tenant explained that establishing a private practice in a new location had been financially challenging. Patient demand had been slower than expected, surrounding vacancies impacted foot traffic, and rising operating costs created significant pressure.

For the owner, the focus was on recovering outstanding amounts and resolving the matter without prolonged legal action.

Through the mediation process, both parties shifted from frustration to resolution. A practical agreement was reached, including a structured repayment plan for arrears and arrangements to support re-letting the space, including transfer of the fit-out and promotion of the vacancy within the tenant’s network.

While not a perfect outcome for either party, mediation enabled a fair and workable resolution — avoiding escalation and providing certainty.

This case demonstrates the value of the NSW Small Business Commission’s mediation services in helping businesses resolve disputes quickly, cost-effectively, and with outcomes that allow all parties to move forward.