More than 870,000 NSW small businesses risk losing vital advice and support when the Business Connect program ends in September says small business lender OnDeck Australia.
- Axing Business Connect on 30 September cuts 870,000 NSW small businesses[i] off from free advice and vital financial literacy support.
- Scrapping Business Connect right before NSW Small Business Month makes a mockery of the state government’s commitment to small business.
- OnDeck urges the Minns Government to reinstate the program as a sign of commitment to the state’s small business community.
Sydney (11th of August 2025): Leading online small business lender OnDeck Australia is calling on the Minns Government to urgently rethink the decision to scrap the NSW Business Connect program.
Business Connect is a free service that has supported more than 60,000 businesses across NSW since its launch in 2017[ii].
It provides up to eight hours of free, tailored advice to small businesses annually through a network of experienced business advisors.
The program is set to close on 30 September 2025, after the Minns Government failed to allocate renewed funding in its 2025 Budget.
Mr Cameron Poolman, CEO of OnDeck Australia, said, “Business Connect is clearly punching above its weight for economic value. The 870,000 small businesses operating in NSW are a key driver of the state economy, accounting for 97% of all NSW businesses, and employing around two in five of the state’s private sector workforce[iii].
“Business Connect has proven highly valuable to the sector, delivering 53,943 hours of support between October 2023 and December 2024[iv].
“The service consistently scores high satisfaction ratings, with 98% of users recommending Business Connect, and 96% reporting satisfaction[v].
“More than a support service, Business Connect lets business owners connect with real experts to help plan, establish and grow an enterprise – and that’s exactly the support small businesses need right now,” noted Mr Poolman.
“It is frustrating to see funding for Business Connect being pulled at a time when many small businesses face headwinds from reduced consumer spending and rising utility costs.
“Now more than ever, access to financial literacy programs, ongoing education and expert advice is vital to help business owners navigate these challenges and build more resilient enterprises.”
Ms Anne Nalder, CEO of the Small Business Association of Australia
Poor timing adds insult to injury
Adding insult to injury, the Business Connect service is being dumped just before NSW Small Business Month in October 2025.
“It is hard to fathom why a proven, cost-effective program like Business Connect is being scrapped at all, let alone on the eve of the state’s Small Business Month. It sends the wrong message to the NSW small business community,” said Mr Poolman.
Ms Nalder added, “The decision to axe Business Connect is not just short-sighted, it’s out of step with the challenges small businesses are facing right now.”
Business Connect delivers economic value
“Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum – especially for small businesses. Programs like Business Connect provide the expert mentoring and scaffolding support that small businesses rely on to succeed,” observed Mr Poolman.
“Other states such as Queensland offer Small Business Support Networks[1] that deliver free financial counselling, wellness coaching, and support services designed to help small businesses.
“By axing funding for Business Connect, NSW runs the risk of losing entrepreneurs to other, more supportive states,” added Mr Poolman.
OnDeck is calling on the NSW Government to:
- Immediately reinstate funding for Business Connect through to 30 June 2026, and
- Commence a formal review to identify enhancements for future delivery of the Business Connect service.
“The cost of continuation, estimated at $10 million annually[vi], is a tiny blip in the broader NSW state budget,” said Mr Poolman. “But the cost of withdrawal could be significant – lost businesses, lost employment opportunities, and lost economic momentum across the state of NSW.
“If the NSW state government can afford to spend $750 million on a new Sydney Fish Markets[vii], and $309 million redeveloping Penrith Stadium[viii], surely it can find $10 million annually to maintain Business Connect to support the state’s 870,000 small businesses.
“We urge the government to act before the 30 September deadline to prevent disruption during the most critical promotional month for small businesses,” concluded Mr Poolman.
About OnDeck
OnDeck is a small business lending specialist dedicated to simplifying business finance, since 2015. With its ‘Excellent’ TrustPilot rating OnDeck has streamlined the lending process for small business, with one of the fastest approval times in market. Offering business loans from $10,000 to $250,000 with terms of 6-24 month, all its loans are unsecured, with a personal guarantee*. Learn more at www.ondeck.com.au
Media Contacts:
Anthony O’Brien
Corpwrite Australia
+61 (0) 411 578 818
* Important information from OnDeck: OnDeck does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Any references to tax obligations or financial matters are for general information only and should not be relied upon. We recommend speaking with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Loan eligibility, approval criteria, fees, charges, and T&Cs apply. All our loans are unsecured, although a personal guarantee is required. Loan amounts, terms and approval times vary. On Deck Capital Australia Pty Ltd ABN 28 603 753 215. OnDeck® is a Registered Trademark. All rights reserved.
[1] https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/programs-networks/support-network
[i] https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw-small-businesses#:~:text=870%2C000,Male
[ii] https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/business-connect/results-and-reports
[iii] https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw-small-businesses#:~:text=870%2C000,Male
[iv] https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/business-connect/results-and-reports
[v] https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/business-connect/results-and-reports
[vi] https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/pbo/Documents/2023OppositionCostingsandRequests/C1204%20-%20Costing%20-%20Expanding%20the%20Industry%20Capability%20Network.pdf
[vii] https://infrastructurepipeline.org/project/sydney-fish-market
[viii] https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/news/2025/07/25/penrith-stadium-redevelopment-july-update/#:~:text=The%20NSW%20Government%20will%20deliver,experience%20for%20fans%20and%20players.
