The Small Business Advisory program is offered through the Service NSW Business Bureau and is free for eligible customers.
Who can access the program
Eligibility
You may be eligible to access free advisory sessions and events through Small Business Advisory if you:
- own or operate a small business, or
- are thinking about starting a small business in NSW.
To access advisory sessions, you must:
- have the right to live and work in Australia
- be a resident of NSW and/or have your business premises located in NSW.
Note: Former international students with post-study work right visas may be eligible, including 485 visa holders. Check your visa entitlements or find out more about business migration to NSW.
What is considered a small business
If your business is operating and has an ABN, it is considered a small business if it has:
- aggregated turnover of less than $10 million, or
- fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees.
Organisations that can apply
Small Business Advisory also supports social enterprises, co-operatives and trusts that employ workers and operate in the same manner as a business or enterprise.
Note: Charities, volunteer groups, trade associations and organisations that are not trading as a business or enterprise are not eligible for support through this program.
Book an advisory session
You can access up to 4 hours of free one-on-one small business advice, in person, online or over the phone from independent advisors each financial year.
What you can expect
During your small business advisory session, an independent advisor will work with you to identify your goals, challenges and next steps for your business.
If you are a multicultural business owner, you can get culturally tailored support from an advisor who understands your needs.
The advisor can give free small business advice tailored to your needs. For example, advisors can:
- discuss your business goals and priorities
- advise you on how to create an action plan with practical next steps
- review your progress and any actions you have taken.
Topics advisors can help you with include:
- Business planning: Set strategies for starting up, growing your business or succession planning.
- Marketing: Gain a deeper understanding of your market and how to attract new customers.
- Finance: Get tips on managing cash flow, reviewing your pricing strategy and improving revenue.
- Staffing: Work through staff planning issues, know how to build and manage a strong team and understand your responsibilities as an employer.
- Digital skills: Learn how to use AI to boost business productivity and how to protect your business data online.
How to book
- Select the 'Find an advisor' button.
- Search for an advisor by topic or location, then select an advisor.
- You will be prompted to log in or create a MyServiceNSW Account.
- Follow the steps to book an appointment.
After you submit your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. The email will also include a link to reschedule or cancel your appointment if needed.
Events — coming soon
Workshops, webinars and networking opportunities will be available from mid-September.
How to access online resources
Online resources are available via the Service NSW Business Bureau online hub.
You can find videos, tools and information to build skills and learn at a time that works for you.
Search for resources by topic or keyword, and filter by resource type.
Go to Online resources
Common questions
◉ Do small business events and online resources count towards your 4 hours of advice?
No. The 4-hour limit only applies to one-on-one small business advisory sessions. Small business events and online resources are unlimited.
◉ What can an advisor do?
An independent business advisor can give you advice, coaching and practical next steps tailored to your business needs.
◉ Can a small business advisor do work for your business?
No. The advisor does not complete business tasks or applications, and they will not do consultancy work for you.
◉ What are the meeting options?
You may be able to meet an independent business advisor in person, online or over the phone. If you would like an in-person advisory session, advisors may be able to meet you at your business or another suitable location. This will depend on advisor availability and location which you can view in your selected advisor’s profile.
◉ How long are advisory sessions?
Advisory sessions are 45 minutes to one hour in length.
◉ Can I book different advisors for my sessions?
Yes. You can book with different advisors within your 4-hour limit of advisory sessions, depending on your preference.
◉ When did the program start? How is it funded?
The Small Business Advisory program launched in September 2026 and is funded by the NSW Government. Read the NSW Government’s announcement about the program.
◉ How was the program designed?
The program was informed by a 90-day consultation with small business owners and stakeholders across NSW. Read the Small Business Advisory Review: Executive summary.
Further support
Speak to our team
For additional support or if you have questions about the program, contact the Service NSW Business Bureau team. We're here to help.
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