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.
There are more than
small businesses in NSW, comprising 98% of all NSW businesses
(ABS, 8165.0, June 2022 – latest available).
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).
The NSW small business sector pays
in annual wages and salaries to employees every
year
(estimated from ABS, 8155.0, 2021-22 – latest available).
NSW small businesses contribute more than
to annual sales and service income
(estimated from ABS, 8155.0, 2021-22 – latest available).
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).
Approximately
of small business operators live outside
the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region
(ABS, Census 2021, latest available).
of small business
operators were born overseas
(ABS, Census 2021, latest available).
Age of small business
owners in NSW
(ABS, Census 2021, latest available).
Industries by business counts
(0-19 employees).
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.