NSW small business owners can now access up to four hours of free, one-on-one business advice each financial year through the newly launched Small Business Advisory Program.
The NSW Government officially launched the upgraded program on 10 September 2026, with $37 million committed to the initiative. It is delivered through the Service NSW Business Bureau and is available to eligible small businesses across NSW.
For businesses in Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter Region and throughout NSW, the program provides another source of practical support when reviewing business plans, cash flow, staffing, marketing and digital processes.
Key highlights for NSW small businesses
Up to four hours of free advice each financial year
Eligible business owners can access up to four hours of one-on-one advice during each financial year.
Sessions are generally 45 minutes to one hour and may be available in person, online or over the phone. Businesses can also use different advisors across their allocated four hours where appropriate.
Who may be eligible?
The program is available to people who own or operate a small business, as well as people considering starting a small business in NSW.
To access advisory sessions, applicants generally need to have the right to live and work in Australia and either live in NSW or operate business premises in NSW.
For the purposes of the program, an operating business with an ABN may qualify as a small business if it has:
- aggregated turnover of less than $10 million, or
- fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees.
Certain social enterprises, co-operatives and trusts that operate as businesses may also qualify. Eligibility requirements apply, so businesses should check the Service NSW criteria before booking.
What can an advisor help with?
The program covers a broad range of practical business issues.
Depending on your circumstances, an advisor may be able to help with:
- business planning and setting priorities
- cash-flow management
- pricing and revenue strategies
- marketing and customer acquisition
- staffing and workforce planning
- digital skills
- using artificial intelligence in business
- succession and business growth planning.
The aim is to help owners identify challenges, establish goals and develop practical next steps.
Workshops and webinars are also available
The program is not limited to individual advisory sessions.
Eligible businesses can also access free workshops, webinars, networking events and online resources. These activities do not count towards the four-hour annual limit for one-on-one advice.
This may be particularly useful for business owners who want to improve a specific skill before committing additional time or money to a larger project.
Advisors provide guidance — they do not complete the work for you
One important distinction is that the program provides advice rather than an outsourced business service.
Service NSW states that advisors can provide coaching, guidance and practical next steps, but they do not complete business tasks, applications or consultancy work on behalf of the business.
For example, an advisor might help you identify that cash-flow forecasting needs improvement, but you may still need your accountant or bookkeeper to prepare detailed financial forecasts, review your accounting records or implement changes.
What this means for your business
The new program could be a useful opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations and review where your business is heading.
Before booking an advisory session, consider preparing a short list of the issues you want to address.
This could include questions such as:
- Is our business making enough profit for the level of sales we generate?
- Are our prices keeping pace with increasing costs?
- Where are the biggest pressures on our cash flow?
- Do we need a more detailed business plan?
- Are staffing costs increasing faster than revenue?
- Which products or services are most profitable?
- What financial information should we review each month?
- Are we ready to expand, employ additional staff or invest in equipment?
Having accurate financial information available can also help make business discussions more productive.
Consider reviewing your recent profit and loss statements, balance sheet, cash-flow information, aged receivables and current budget before your session.
For Newcastle and Hunter businesses, the program may also provide a useful starting point when considering growth, improving business systems or dealing with changing trading conditions.
Government advisory services can complement the work you already undertake with your accountant. Where recommendations involve tax, accounting, business structures, forecasts or detailed financial analysis, consider discussing the next steps with a qualified professional before making significant decisions.
Bottrell Accounting provides business advisory, business planning and business setup support for businesses in Newcastle, Maitland and surrounding areas.
Want to review the financial side of your business?
The Bottrell Accounting team can assist with business planning, financial reporting, budgeting, cash-flow forecasting and broader accounting requirements to help you understand the numbers behind your business decisions.
This article provides general information only. Eligibility and program availability are determined by Service NSW and may change. Businesses should check the current program requirements and seek professional advice appropriate to their circumstances.
