Stepping Up - Helping Small Business Grow
The Stepping Up Program provides established business owners committed to growing their business with access to an experienced business person for mentoring and assistance with developing a profitable growth pathway for the business.
Women in Business Mentor Program
The Women in Business Mentor Program provides a link between emerging female entrepreneurs and experienced business owners. It aims to enhance business success by making assistance available in the formative stages. The Department also runs free growth strategy workshops for business women.
Home-Based Business Program
Action programs on business planning, marketing and better systems equip home-based operators with the essential tools to strategically plan their business direction. Also available for home-based operators is the interactive Homebiz Kit, available online or on CD-ROM.
The Homebiz Kit is free and can be obtained from the Small Business website or by contacting the small business hotline.
Free programs are also offered throughout the year addressing topics of interest to home-based operators.
Innovation
The Department is committed to supporting innovation in businesses. Through the Innovation Advisory Services, the Department offers a range of services to help inventors and small business innovators.
Services include:
- access to self-assessment software
- business advice and referral
- low-cost technical and market assessments.
There are four centres in NSW: Sydney, Wollongong, Penrith and Newcastle.
The Department also supports the AusInvent website, an information and networking resource for innovators and inventors which provides tools, valuable information, news and virtual exhibition space.
Innovation Clusters
Innovation Clusters are drivers of innovation through the adoption of technology, modern systems and practices. Firms learn to innovate using technology and leading-edge management techniques in Innovation Clusters based around the State.
The Australian Technology Showcase is also open to applications from small and medium businesses.
Business Advisory Services (BAS)
The NSW Government supports organisations around the State to provide business advisory services and information to people starting and operating a business.
Fourteen organisations across NSW deliver up-to-date business information through 39 offices to assist you to expand your existing business or to explore new business ideas.
Business Advisory Services (BAS) provides assistance, seminars/workshops and networking opportunities for business owners and managers to plan their growth and development.
If you require assistance, BAS offices are located across the State or request online assistance now on www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au.
Small Business Development Corporation
The Small Business Development Corporation advises the Minister for Small Business on policies and programs. It develops that advice through consultations, research, forums and inquiries.