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Radio Interviews

Mark Speakman MP and Tim James MP

30 July, 2025 - Instagram

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Mark Speakman MP

28 July, 2025 - Instagram

  • Inside Small Business 2025-07-25

    SMEs pushing back against the closure of NSW Business Connect

    The recent closure of NSW Business Connectremains a sore point among small businesses in New South Wales who had long benefited from the state’s program.

    Karl Aguilar

    July 25, 2025 2 mins read

  • The Minns Labor Government has ripped out a vital lifeline for small businesses across the regions by axing funding for the highly successful Business Connect program in its recent Budget.  The program which provides up to 8 hours of free advice in a

    Minns Labor strips support for small business

    We’re talking about shops and services run by mums and dads, family operators, and young entrepreneurs, but instead of helping them succeed, Labor has abandoned them to prioritise its own balance sheet.

    NSW Nationals

    28 July, 2 min read

  • NSW Greens to push Labor

    NSW Greens to push Labor on small business support after Business Connect axing

    The Greens have confirmed they will question the NSW Treasurer in state Parliament over the Minns government’s decision to defund the Business Connect program.

    Jul 25, 2025 2 min read

  • NSW government quietly axes free small business support program

    The NSW government has quietly cut the Business Connect program, which offered free expert advice for small businesses and startups.

    Jul 1, 2025 5 min read

  • The Business Connect closure isn’t about money saved, but businesses lost

    As NSW quietly axes the Business Connect program, entrepreneurs will be left to face their toughest challenges alone, writes Martin Rogers.

    Jul 4, 2025 5 min read

  • NSW Business Connect closure raises concerns for small business support

    The axing of the Business Connect program for NSW small-business owners has advocates worried about the accessibility of business support services in the region.

    Mia Lockett

    July 4, 2025 2 min read

  • Business support funding cut 'a real blow' that 'does not make sense'

    Funding has been axed for a support service that has assisted Albury small business owners through the toughest of times.

    Madilyn McKinley

    Jul 11 2025 2 min Read

  • Small business owners seeking advice on issues such as insolvency planning will be left with nothing after the Minns government cut the state’s only free business support service in last week’s budget.

    Minns scraps small business support services

    Small business owners seeking advice on issues such as insolvency planning will be left with nothing after the Minns government cut the state’s only free business support service/

    Madeline Bower

    2 min read July 1, 2025

  • The NSW Opposition has urged the Minns government to reverse Business Connect cuts and restore free small business advice across the state.

    NSW Opposition slams Minns government for axing Business Connect program

    The NSW Opposition has urged the Minns government to reverse Business Connect cuts and restore free small business advice.

    Jul 2, 2025 3 min read

  • The Minns Labor Government has delivered a blow to small businesses in Country North in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Business Connect program.  Aileen MacDonald MLC

    Business Connect Program axed

    The Minns Labor Government has delivered a blow to small businesses in Country North in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Business Connect program.

    Aileen MacDonald MLC

    15th July 2025

  • Govt is letting small business down: Crouch

    Govt is letting small business down: Crouch

    Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch says the NSW Government has delivered a blow to Central Coast small businesses by axing funding for the Business Connect program

    Coast Community News

    July 16, 2025

  • Crucial western Sydney business program axed

    Crucial western Sydney business program axed

    An important free business advice program has been quietly cut by the State Government. Executive Officer of Western Sydney Business Centre (WSBC)

    Emily Chate

    July 18, 2025

  • Business Hunter leads call to reinstate funding for vital start-up initiative

    Business Hunter leads call to reinstate funding for vital start-up initiativetem

    It’s understood the state’s powers-that-be will cut financial backing for the Business Connect program from the 2025/26 budget, inhibiting a valuable support service that aids SMEs

    Rod Thompson

    July 6, 2025

  • NSW Business Connect program to end in September 2025

    NSW Business Connect program to end in September 2025

    The NSW Government’s Business Connect program will cease operations on 30 September 2025, ending years of free business advisory services for small and medium enterprises.

    Yajush Gupta

    July 3, 2025

  • Minns Labor Government shuts down lifeline for small business owners

    Minns Labor Government shuts down lifeline for small business owners

    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.

    Mark Speakman

    2 July, 2025

  •  LABOR CUTS SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT IN MYALL LAKES

    LABOR CUTS SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT IN MYALL LAKES

    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. 

    Tanya Thompson MP

    July 14th, 2025

  • NSW Opposition Slams Minns Govt for Axing ‘Lifeline’ Business Connect Program

    NSW Opposition Slams Minns Govt for Axing ‘Lifeline’ Business Connect Program

    The NSW Opposition has fiercely criticised Premier Chris Minns’ Labor government after it opted not to renew the Business Connect program in the 2025–26 state budget.

    Nismo Better

    Jul 3, 2 min read