The NSW Government will no longer fund a program providing free support to small businesses, a move NSW Nationals Member of the Legislative Council, Nichole Overall, says will hurt Snowy Monaro businesses.

The Business Connect program, run locally by Enterprise Plus, will close on 30 September after the NSW Government cut its funding in the 2025/26 budget. The program delivered free advice, in one-on-one sessions to business owners. Advice on business planning, marketing and cash flow was provided by independent advisors.

Mrs Overall believes local jobs will be impacted without Business Connect.

“The axing of this funding for the successful Business Connect program that provides much-needed professional guidance and support is yet another let-down of this NSW Labor government,” Mrs Overall said.

“As a former small business owner myself, I know just how tough it can be and we’re seeing record numbers of businesses closing their doors in NSW. Rather than backing critical lifelines, Labor has tried to sneak this abrupt cut through.

“Ill-considered decisions like this hurt local jobs, economic investment and confidence in our regions. It needs to be urgently reversed and instead, a commitment made to continue to fund services and support that help build our businesses.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said while he understands the loss of the program will remove valued support to local businesses, the NSW Government has a range of other services to assist.

“The NSW Government offers and funds a range of programs to assist small businesses including advisory services, on-line services and locally delivered services,” Mr Whan said.

“Business connect is one program that has been delivered locally by Enterprise Plus. Enterprise Plus let me know recently that the funding for the local delivery aspect of the service had expired in the last budget.

“While a number of the services are available directly from the Department, I do recognise that the Business Connect services delivered by Enterprise Plus – which have been free to small businesses – have been valued.”

Mr Whan said he has spoken to the Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin, about the loss of Business Connect and will work with her to see what alternatives can be found in a ‘very tight’ budget.