Running a small business in the Southern Highlands comes with plenty of rewards, strong community connections, flexibility, and the satisfaction of watching your hard work pay off. But it can also come with challenges, especially when it comes to finding the right support.
To make life easier, here’s a handy list of local and national programs, funding opportunities and services available to help small businesses succeed, all in one place.
This article is brought to you by The Office Bowral – a modern co-working space in the heart of the Southern Highlands, designed to help local professionals make the most of their workday.
Business Support Programs
The Wingecarribee Shire Council offers several free and practical support programs to help local businesses grow and adapt.
Programs include:
Hospitality Skills Development – A step-by-step guide to training and finding hospitality staff, plus apprenticeship and skills brokerage info.
Business Community Resilience Toolkit Program – An online resource to help business owners and communities strengthen resilience with practical tips.
Business Energy Advice Program – Free advice for small businesses to improve energy efficiency and access better deals.
Learn more on the Wingecarribee Shire Council website.
Business Advisory Services
There’s no need to navigate business challenges alone, these funded advisory programs are here to help with mentoring, strategy and training:
New Business Assistance with NEIS – Funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, offering business training, mentoring and even an allowance (eligibility applies).
Service NSW Business Connect – One-on-one advice, workshops and online resources for every stage of business.
Rural Financial Counselling Service – Free, confidential advice for farmers, fishers, and rural businesses experiencing financial hardship.
Self Employment Assistance Program – Support for both new business ideas and existing ventures through workshops, coaching, and business health checks.
AusIndustry – Government guidance for small and medium enterprises navigating grants, programs and support.
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors – Free and paid resources to help manage legal aspects of running a business.
Business.gov.au – Australia’s go-to portal for business planning, WHS, legal support and funding opportunities.
Business Memberships and Networking Groups
Building relationships with other business owners is key to long-term growth. Local and regional business networks offer invaluable support, training and collaboration opportunities.
Local and regional groups include:
Business Women’s Network Southern Highlands
GROW Southern Highlands NSW Association Inc
Southern Highlands Food and Wine Association
Women in Business Southern Highlands
These networks are excellent for sharing ideas, referrals and finding like-minded professionals in the region.
Tourism and Visitor Support
Visitor spending is crucial for many Southern Highlands businesses. These organisations can help you attract and engage more tourists:
Destination Southern Highlands
Destination Sydney Surrounds South
They provide marketing resources, tourism data, and programs to help promote your business to travellers.
Business Grants and Funding Opportunities
Small business grants can be a game-changer, from drought assistance and sustainability funding to tourism and innovation support.
Where to start:
Regional Development Southern Inland (RDSI) – Subscribe to their Grant Funding Finder to stay updated on available opportunities.
AusIndustry – Offers grants for innovation, growth and regional development.
Service NSW for Business – Access their Business Concierge Service for help finding suitable grants and applying.
The Fold tip: Set aside a regular time each quarter to check for new funding rounds. Opportunities change frequently!
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Running a business can take a toll. Remember to look after your mental health too.
The Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners program offers six free sessions with a trained mental health coach, no GP referral needed. Learn more here.
A Final Word for Our Highlands Business Owners
The Southern Highlands business community is strong, creative, and resilient, and these resources exist to keep it that way. Bookmark this list, share it with a fellow business owner, and remember: support is always available when you need it.
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