‘Google’ It: NSW Labor’s Answer as They Axe Business Connect Program
NSW Labor has told small businesses to “Google” the answers to their business challenges as the Minns Government remains determined to axe the Business Connect program on 30 September.
The comment came during budget estimates last Friday, when Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin pointed to search engines as a source of support for operators. She told the hearing she had “found plenty” of services herself just by googling. When questioned by Liberal MLC Scott Farlow on whether she believed Google could replace specialist advisers, the Minister denied that was her intention – but maintained her defence of the program’s closure.
“Comments like these highlight just how disconnected the Government is from the day-to-day realities small businesses face. Business Connect is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline, and cutting it now is reckless,” said Wayne Wanders, a business advisor for Realise Business, a not-for-profit that delivers Business Connect across Sydney and Access to Finance across NSW.
“As a Business Connect advisor, I’ve delivered nearly 1,200 hours of advice to 480 different businesses in just the last two years. To suggest we can be replaced by Google is insulting.
“Google gives you information – but the real skill lies in understanding what’s relevant, what applies to your unique situation and what the next step should be. Today I worked with a business owner weighing up whether to remain a sole trader or form a company. Google’s answer? ‘Neither a sole trader nor a company is inherently better … consult with an accountant or a business advisor.’ Exactly. Even Google says small businesses need professional advice – not search results,” he says.
A proven program with proven results
Since 2017, Business Connect has delivered free, independent advice to NSW small businesses. It has become one of the most effective support programs in the state:
- Helped 60,000+ business owners pivot during crises, scale up and keep staff employed
- Created 40,000+ new jobs across NSW
- Returned up to three times its cost back into the economy, according to an independent NSW Treasury review
The program has also been a critical support during times of crisis, including COVID-19 lockdowns, floods and bushfires, when thousands of small businesses turned to Business Connect advisors for urgent advice and survival strategies.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy. They represent 97 per cent of businesses, employ 1.8 million people and contribute more than $535 billion in sales every year,” said Martin Rogers, CEO of Realise Business. “For the Government to cut a program that costs $10 million but delivers a 3:1 return on investment is simply madness.”
Small business leaders join the cry
Leaders across the small business community have spoken out, saying the Government’s response shows a deep disconnect from reality.
Responding directly to the Minister’s ‘Google it’ remarks, Steve Wait, CEO of The Business Centre Newcastle, said on LinkedIn: “Small business owners aren’t looking for search results – they’re looking for real solutions. Telling them to ‘Google it’ after cutting the one program that delivered those solutions is like cancelling lifesaving GPS navigation and handing out a tourist brochure instead.”
Upper house backs re-instatement
In the NSW Legislative Council this week, a motion condemning the decision to scrap Business Connect and calling for the program’s immediate reinstatement and enhancement passed 19–14, reflecting cross-party support for restoring the service in a tough economic climate marked by rising insolvencies.
Opposition commits to bringing it back
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have pledged to reinstate Business Connect if returned to government. Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James, Member for Willoughby, wrote on LinkedIn this week:
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have committed to bring back Business Connect while the Minns Labor Government has doubled down on its decision to axe this vital service. Business Connect has helped 60,000 small businesses and created more than 40,000 jobs since it was set up by the Liberal and National Government in 2017. But the Small Business Minister has made it clear Business Connect will cease to exist from 1 October 2025. And while the Minister thinks Google is the answer for small businesses, the truth is, there’ll be nothing to replace Business Connect.”
Ignoring the voices of small business
Across NSW, business owners have been adding their names and stories to the My Business, My Voice campaign, warning that closure will devastate local economies. Many credit Business Connect with saving or transforming their livelihoods.
Despite these calls, the Minns Government has pushed forward with its decision, leaving tens of thousands of business owners with nowhere to turn for trusted, independent advice.
“We call on the Premier, Treasurer and Small Business Minister to sit down with small business representatives before 30 September and find a way to keep this program alive,” says Rogers.
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About us:
About Business Connect
Business Connect is a NSW Government–funded program providing free independent, personalised advice to small businesses and startups. Since 2017 it has supported over 60,000 small businesses to start, survive, grow and employ across the state.
Contact details:
Georgia Madden