The NSW Government has released a discussion paper on the up and coming NSW Small Business Strategy 2020. They are seeking feedback on issues that affect business in NSW.
Cessnock City Council’s Business Capability Study (2019) identified that 86% of our businesses are micro and small (employing fewer than 20 employees). Therefore, it is critical that small businesses in regions such as the Cessnock Local Government Area have their say in the development of the NSW government’s vision for small business.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, between June 2017 and June 2018 Cessnock LGA had the second largest growth in small business in Regional NSW. Therefore it is beneficial that small business owners in the LGA provide their feedback before 4 March 2020.
The NSW Small Business Strategy aims to provide an overarching framework that will build resilience; a thriving economy; and a comprehensive understanding of industry and businesses along with their capacity and needs to ensure the government make smarter economic decisions.
If you are one of the 765,000 small businesses in NSW, you are encouraged to interact with the Government to provide valuable feedback to ensure growth and investment to create an environment favourable to conduct business.

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on:
1. A strong economy for small businesses to thrive
2. Making it easier for small businesses to contract with Government
3. Making it easier to do business
4. Building the capability of small business
5. Building resilient, connected and prepared businesses in NSW

Small businesses might like to make suggestions in consideration to:

• ideas to stimulate small business and local economic stimulus
• support to small businesses, programs such as NSW Small Business Connect and the Small Business Commission
• continued support for faster payment terms
• advocacy, incentives and support to businesses in the regions to increase business survival rates, unlock productivity and achieve greater economic resilience
• a commitment to sustainable employment in the regions and advocacy, support and investment in workforce development
• continued investment in regional infrastructure and community development to unlock liveability for working families, support population growth, and ensure the viability of jobs in the regions
• support and finance such as cash rate loans for businesses purchasing of assets, buildings and renovations
• penalties or disincentives to retain vacant commercial land or rental premises in regional Australia
• incentives for landlords to activate empty commercial spaces with social enterprise, micro business or place making activities

The Discussion Paper is available on the NSW Government’s ‘Have your say’ webpage https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/have-your-say/nsw-small-business-strategy-2020/

For more information or assistance contact Treasury NSW Small Business Strategy Team on 02 9228 4455.

You can provide your feedback by either completing an online submission, or uploading your submission document below.  Consultation is open until  4 March 2020.

Go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/have-your-say/nsw-small-business-strategy-2020/ 

Go to https://www.abs.gov.au/