Government programs

business networking and events

Business Connect 

Business Connect (formerly Small Biz Connect) is a personalised business advisory service, funded by NSW Government. It supports small- to medium-sized businesses starting or grow their business successfully.

Services offered include:

  • Mobile, face-to-face business advice with an accredited business advisor.
  • Workshops and seminars.
  • Business advisory bus.
  • Local business events.
  • Business resources and fact sheet.

Find out more

Easy to do Business 

Council has joined with Service NSW’s Easy to do Business program which aims to tackle the red tape currently required to set up or run a business in NSW. It helps owners focus on running their business rather than dealing with bureaucracy.

The program is a free service that is being rolled out to council areas across the state. Currently the program is focusing on those looking to open a small bar, cafe or restaurant but will be expanded into other areas.

Previously cafes, small bars and restaurants would have to deal with up to 13 agencies and 75 regulations, taking as long as 18 months to navigate. The Easy to do Business program has seen this reduced to one online application, reducing the opening time for businesses to 90 days.

Those wishing to set up a restaurant, bar or cafe in Ku-ring-gai will now have a dedicated Service NSW representative to help them navigate the required approvals, including registering the business, obtaining an ABN and the required Council paperwork.

The program reduces red tape and offers personalised support though its business concierge service as well as step-by-step guides tailored for business, including how-to guides and other online support.

 

More information Service NSW

Funding and grants 

Grants and other funding programs are available for businesses from federal, state and some local governments. Australian Government’s ‘Our Grants and Assistance Finder’ will help you locate both state and federal grants and assistance programs most relevant to your business for free.

Search through a variety of grants in many categories, including starting, running and developing your business, innovation and education.

NSW Government grants and funding 

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