The Minns Labor Government has delivered a blow to Myall Lakes small businesses in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Business Connect program.
Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, said the decision shows a lack of insight into the pressures small businesses are currently facing.
“98.4% of businesses in the Mid Coast are small businesses, these are family-run operations and local employers who deserve support, not cuts,” Mrs Thompson said.
Business Connect has supported thousands of small businesses across NSW by providing up to 8 hours of free, one-on-one tailored advice in areas such as strategic guidance, digital marketing, financial planning, and business resilience.
“This program has been a huge support for many in our region,’ Mrs Thompson said.
“The Minns Labor Government has turned its back on small businesses at a time when they are grappling with soaring costs, weak consumer confidence and economic uncertainty. NSW leads the nation in business insolvencies.”
The service is set to end across the state on 30 September 2025, despite strong results and community support.
Mrs Thompson is calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently reverse this decision and commit to continuing to fund Business Connect services.
