Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said the new Service NSW Business Bureau would “let mum and dad business owners get on with what they do best – growing their business”. Photo: File.
A NSW Government initiative dedicated to breaking down the barriers to make doing business easier, named the Service NSW Business Bureau, has been launched.
The Business Bureau is intended to give small business owners a seat at the table with a commitment to tackling red tape, helping navigate government and boosting growth opportunities.
More than 840,000 small businesses, which make up 98 per cent of all NSW businesses, can access the Business Bureau’s free, personalised support. This support spans guidance on government regulations, processes and programs to one-on-one advice on topics such as business planning, marketing and cash flow and digital tools to manage transactions and licences.
NSW Small Business Minister Steve Kamper said the Business Bureau would boost support for small business owners with customised advice, no matter where they are on their business journey.
“I’m passionate about small business. I’ve lived it my whole life and understand how important it is to work with business owners to find solutions which make being in business easier,” he said.
“[The Business] Bureau is there for every small business, there is no wrong door and we will work together to tackle unproductive red tape, break down barriers and build a stronger future.
“Whether it’s getting a business idea off the ground, growth opportunities or support in times of need, the Business Bureau is there for small businesses every step of the way.”
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter welcomed the new initiative, as well as the NSW Government’s approach to navigating red tape and its commitment to reduce it.
“Business NSW members across the state say dealing with paperwork is often the most time-consuming, unproductive and difficult part of running a business,” he said.
“We see the Service NSW Business Bureau as a way to decipher paperwork and ultimately let mum and dad business owners get on with what they do best – growing their business.
“Providing business support for both winning government tenders and exporting will also play a key role in growing small businesses. What’s good for business is good for NSW.”
The launch of the Business Bureau coincided with a major upgrade to the mobile phone app of the same name, which introduces a new range of features. These include tracking and saving licences associated to businesses and employees all in one place, booking expert advisors based on unique business needs and viewing voucher payment summaries, transaction reports and bank details.
Digital Government Minister Jihad Dib said having a Service NSW Business Concierge on mobile phones on the go would be a game changer for NSW small business owners and employees.
“I know how busy life can get and how precious our time is, which is why Service NSW has developed this enhanced business app to make it easier than ever to access the advice, information and support every small business owner needs, to help them spend more time focused on their business,” he said.
“The new … app brings together support and services that were previously only available through our website, such as tracking and saving licences and connecting with our Business Concierge team, making the app as nimble and versatile as your small business.”
The NSW Government has also begun working on the development of a Charter for Small Business, which will provide a framework for engaging with and supporting small businesses.
The Business Bureau will be responsible for oversight of the Charter for Small Business, as well as the provision of advice and recommendations on further actions to support small businesses.
