October is officially recognized as Small Business Month across New South Wales, shining a spotlight on the 870,000 small businesses that form 97 per cent of all businesses in the state. Together, they employ around 1.7 million people – nearly 40 per cent of the NSW workforce – underlining their vital contribution not just to the economy, but to local communities and neighborhoods across the state.
This year, the focus extends beyond celebration to meaningful action. Small businesses consistently highlight red tape and compliance burdens as major barriers to growth, productivity and innovation. In response, the NSW Small Business Commission is launching a targeted initiative inviting business owners and representative bodies to share their experiences through a short survey or interview process.
Running until 31 October 2025, the consultation aims to identify common pain points and help shape practical reforms that make it easier to operate in NSW. The initiative aligns with the broader commitment of the Government of New South Wales to ensure small businesses have the right environment to thrive and grow sustainably.
Alongside the red tape review, Small Business Month features a full calendar of online and in-person events, including workshops, webinars and networking sessions held across NSW. Topics range from social media and consumer trends to cyber security, mental health, workplace safety and business expansion, offering valuable tools for owners looking to strengthen and future-proof their ventures.
October also marks Indigenous Business Month, which aims to inspire and support Aboriginal entrepreneurs. With Aboriginal people making up around 3 per cent of the NSW population but only 1 per cent of small business owners, this year’s theme, “strength through collaboration,” highlights the power of Indigenous enterprises working together to drive opportunity and representation.
The Minns Government has already introduced several reforms to support the sector. These include vibrancy reforms that have welcomed more than 800 new businesses into the night-time economy, procurement changes that make it easier for small and medium enterprises to secure government contracts, and a forthcoming Mutual Recognition Scheme to allow mobile businesses to operate across councils without multiple approvals.
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin says small businesses are the beating heart of the state’s economy and provide immense social and cultural value. Acting NSW Small Business Commissioner Catherine Ellis encourages business owners to share their experiences, noting that community feedback will directly inform efforts to reduce red tape and strengthen the small business landscape across NSW.
