The Minns Labor Government has ripped out a vital lifeline for small businesses across the regions by axing funding for the highly successful Business Connect program in its recent Budget.
The program which provides up to 8 hours of free advice in areas such as strategic guidance, digital marketing, financial planning, and business resilience, has helped almost 6,000 regional businesses since October 2023, offering more than 25,000 hours of support.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said we’ve seen three budgets and three cruel strikes against the bush.
“Our businesses are the backbone of our country communities; they support local, employ locals, and keep our cities and towns running,” Mr Saunders said.
“We’re talking about shops and services run by mums and dads, family operators, and young entrepreneurs, but instead of helping them succeed, Labor has abandoned them to prioritise its own balance sheet.”
The decision comes as businesses across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions are still struggling to get back on their feet after the devastating May floods.
Mr Saunders renewed calls for the State and Federal Labor Governments to increase the category D flood grants to at least $50,000.
“Our small businesses were absolutely smashed by this natural disaster – some with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ damage – while others were forced to close for weeks,” Mr Saunders said.
“It’s now been more than 10 weeks since the Premier stood in Pulteney Street arcade in Taree, looked business owners in the eye and said this was worse than Lismore, yet here we are and they’re still waiting for the help they so desperately need.”
“People are literally on their knees right now, they are going through their toughest time ever, and to add insult to injury the Minns Government is taking away even more support by axing this program which has helped so many.”
“The Premier and the Treasurer need to do the right thing and give our regional businesses a fighting chance by urgently reversing this decision.”
Business Connect is due to end on 30 September 2025.
