iscoverOff the back of calls on the NSW Labor government to keep the state’s Business Connect program, the small business minister has suggested to just “Google it”.
Business advisers offended by Business Connect closure, ‘Google it’ suggestion
17 September 2025
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8 minute read
As the NSW government moves to shut down the Business Connect program, small businesses in outcry have been told to “Google it” when faced with challenges.
The ‘Google it’ comment was made during state budget estimates by Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin as a way of defending the program’s closure decision.
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Saffin said her comment was made to small businesses in the case they needed help, they could easily Google and search for services to help them in the absence of the Business Connect program.
Set to end on September 30, the program delivered free and independent advice to NSW small businesses, which had helped over 60,000 business owners, created more than 40,000 new jobs across NSW and returned up to three times its cost back into the economy.
As previously reported by Accountants Daily, the NSW opposition pledged to bring the program back based on the effective and efficient support it provided to struggling small businesses.
When the comment was made by Saffin, it was reported by SmartCompany that she was immediately questioned by Liberal Scott Farlow on whether her comment meant specialist advisers could be replaced by Google, to which she disagreed.
Wayne Wanders, Realise Business business adviser, said as an adviser of the Business Connect program, he had delivered nearly 1,200 hours of advice to 480 businesses in the past two years, and the suggestion that he could be replaced by Google was insulting.
“Comments like this highlight just how disconnected the government is from the day-to-day realities small businesses face. Business Connect is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline, and cutting it now is reckless,” he said.
“Google gives you information but the real skill lies in understanding what’s relevant, what applies to your unique situation and what the next step should be. I worked with a business owner weighing up whether to remain a sole trader or form a company.”
“Google’s answer? ‘Neither a sole trader nor a company is inherently better … consult with an accountant or a business advisor.’ Exactly. Even Google says small businesses need professional advice – not search results.”
Martin Rogers, chief executive of Realise Business, also weighed in on the conversation and said the program had been a critical support during times of crisis, including pandemic lockdowns, floods and bushfires.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy. They represent 97 per cent of businesses, employ 1.8 million people and contribute more than $535 billion in sales every year. For the government to cut a program that costs $10 million but delivers a 3:1 return on investment is simply madness,” he said.
Despite the government moving ahead to axe the program, a motion condemning the decision was moved in the NSW legislative council and passed 19-14, reflecting cross-party support for the program’s restoration in the tough economic climate.
Rogers said: “We call on the Premier, Treasurer and Small Business Minister to sit down with small business representatives before 30 September and find a way to keep this program alive.”
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