Business Bus wraps up for 2017

Media release | 21 December 2017

2017 has been a huge year for the NSW Government's Business Bus, which has covered more than 56,000 kilometres in the last 12 months — that’s almost one-and-a-half times around the world — providing specialist advice to local small business owners throughout the state.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW and Small Business John Barilaro said experts on the Business Bus have delivered hundreds of hours of independent advice and support to small businesses on everything from marketing, financial and legal advice to business planning and doing business online.

'The Business Bus is part of the NSW Government’s multi-million dollar Business Connect advisory program which supports the state’s small businesses to thrive in local and regional economies,' Mr Barilaro said.

'The Business Bus has supported businesses in over 160 towns across the state in 2017 with advice to help small business operators take the vital next step, whether they're just starting out or aiming to go global.'

Mr Barilaro said small businesses represent 98 percent of all NSW businesses, employ almost half the State's workforce and generate $47 billion in annual wages and salaries.

'The Business Bus is part of Business Connect, the NSW Government's personalised business advisory service supporting small-to-medium businesses to start or grow their business,' he said

'The NSW Government is investing $30 million in Business Connect over four and a half years, with 70 percent of services being delivered to regional businesses.

'The Business Bus is taking a well-deserved break over the holidays but will be back on the road from February 2018 to deliver more great services and support to local and regional small businesses,' he said.

To find out more about the Business Bus or to speak to your local Business Connect advisor, call 1300 134 359 or visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect

Download the media release