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Business Planning

How to Prepare for a NSW Small Business Advisory Session

Published November 9, 2026 · Updated November 9, 2026 · By NSW Growth Authority Editorial Team

The NSW Small Business Advisory program provides eligible business owners with access to independent advice, workshops and practical learning. A useful advisory session begins before the appointment: the owner needs a clear question, current information and a realistic view of what can be changed.

Program features and eligibility can change. Check the current Service NSW Small Business Advisory page before booking.

Choose one priority outcome

A session can cover topics such as planning, finance, staffing, marketing, digital capability and business change. Trying to solve every issue at once usually produces a broad conversation rather than an actionable result. Write down the one decision that matters most in the next 30 to 90 days.

Examples include deciding whether to hire, improving cash-flow visibility, testing a new customer segment, reviewing prices or choosing a digital system. The advisor may identify a different underlying issue, but a defined starting point makes the discussion more productive.

Bring a concise business snapshot

  • What the business sells and who buys it.
  • Where revenue comes from and whether sales are seasonal.
  • The main operating costs and current cash-flow pressure points.
  • Employee numbers, important roles and known skill gaps.
  • Recent changes affecting customers, suppliers or the market.
  • Previous steps already taken and what happened.

Use accurate figures where available, but do not share sensitive personal or commercial information unless it is necessary and you understand how it will be handled.

Turn advice into a short action plan

Before the session ends, record the next three actions, who is responsible, when each action is due and what evidence will show progress. Advice is most useful when it leads to a testable decision rather than a long list of possibilities.

For other support pathways, read our Service NSW business support guide or visit the NSW grants and support hub.

Source note: Verify current eligibility, dates and requirements with the linked primary source. Contact us if material information has changed.