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Through advocacy and mediation we help resolve issues impacting your business.

The NSW small business landscape at a glance

Small businesses play a vital role in NSW. They are critical cogs in our thriving economy and they contribute so much to our diverse local communities. A small business is defined as an actively trading, unincorporated or incorporated business that employs less than 20 people.

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There are more than

small businesses in NSW, comprising 98% of all NSW businesses
(ABS, 8165.0, June 2022 – latest available).

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NSW small businesses employ

people in the private sector, which is around 43% of the State’s private sector workforce
(estimated from ABS, 8155.0, 2021-22 – latest available).

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$

The NSW small business sector pays

in annual wages and salaries to employees every year (estimated from ABS, 8155.0, 2021-22 – latest available).

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$
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NSW small businesses contribute more than

to annual sales and service income
(estimated from ABS, 8155.0, 2021-22 – latest available).

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Approx. 66% of NSW small business owners are male and 34% female. Female involvement is significantly understated, with many acting in key advisory and support roles in the running of family businesses (ABS, Census 2021, latest available).

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Approximately  
of small business operators live outside the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region
(ABS, Census 2021, latest available).

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of small business operators were born overseas
(ABS, Census 2021, latest available).

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Age of small business
owners in NSW
(ABS, Census 2021, latest available).


Industries by business counts
(0-19 employees).

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17.5%
Construction

14.0%
Professional, Scientific
& Technical Services

11.5%
Rental, Hiring
& Real Estate Services

7.5%
Transport, Postal
& Warehousing

6.7%
Health Care
and Social Assistance

This information is based on the latest available data from the ABS.