Good Afternoon Local Chamber Members,
 
Hope this email finds you well, as we approach the End of Financial Year.
 
Please see some updates below from BUSINESS NSW - a combined edition for May and June:
 
 
Business Conditions Survey Report – June 2025
 
Thank you for the continued support with sharing the Business Conditions Survey with your members.

The resilience of the NSW business community is being tested. Rising insurance and wage costs, skills shortages, a broken workers’ compensation system, the AI revolution, and an outdated tax system which disincentivises investment and entrepreneurship all weigh heavily on businesses.

The latest Business Conditions Survey, conducted from 4 -19 May, received 720 responses from businesses across all key industries and regions in NSW. The results show that business confidence has retreated in the June quarter. Most small businesses reported experiencing or expecting negative impacts from shifting customer or supplier behaviour amid recent market volatility. Despite challenges, businesses remain optimistic for the quarter ahead. The survey also collected business feedback on federal and state policy priorities.

You can view the report here: https://bczsaprodassetstorage.blob.core.windows.net/businessnswmedia/nswbcsharedmedia/businessnsw/media/bcs_reports/june-2025-bcs-report.pdf?ext=.pdf
 
If you missed the recent Business Conditions Survey briefing webinar held on Wednesday 18^th June – you can view the recording here: https://www.businessnsw.com/secure/business-conditions-survey-briefing
 

AGM and change of contact details
 
If your Chamber is holding an AGM this year, there are a number of updates you need to be aware of if your Chamber Executive changes:
 
 

• ATO –  You will need to check your organisation’s ABN and authorised contacts are up to date, postal, email and business name are current  - https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/not-for-profit-organisations/your-organisation/changes-to-your-organisation/notifying-us-of-changes-to-your-not-for-profit
• Business NSW - to keep relevant contacts updated with communications and alliance program information, please send current executive committee members for updating so we can keep our CRM system accurate
• NSW Fair Trading – If you have appointed a Public Officer or representative to access the NSW Fair Trading this will need to be updated, there is a useful checklist on the website you can cross check for requirements https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/incorporated-associations/incorporated-associations-forms-and-fees/self-evaluation-checklist
• Directors Handbook - our Directors Handbook available to Local Chambers, is a comprehensive overview of running a Chamber if you would like a copy please contact me and I can email you the latest version. If you have not reviewed your constitution, we do have templates within the handbook you can use to keep this document compliant and updated.
  If you are using the Model Constitution for your Chambers, please note there have been updates made in June 2024 – key changes include the support and use of technology in meetings and membership processes, new processes for disciplinary appeals and stronger disclosure requirements for conflicts of interest.
• Member updates - if your members would like to receive the additional entitlements under the Alliance with Business NSW, we will need to get a current member update from you. Please reach out and I can assist if it has been sometime, attached are the entitlements you can share with members of what they have access to as part of the offering - https://www.businessnsw.com/getmedia/a053a4af-ce65-4c1a-96c4-dfe7daa4d706/Local-Chamber-Alliance-Entitlements-Page-Overview.pdf

 
 
Business NSW – Sydney City Awards and WSABE – last weeks to enter  

Entries are now open for entry in the Business NSW – Sydney awards and Western Sydney Business Excellence Awards, we have had several winners in the past go on to win state recognition at our Annual Awards gala in Sydney. 
 
Categories are open to Local Chamber members to enter and is a wonderful opportunity to showcase businesses in the region.
 
We also have our Outstanding Local Chamber Award open for you to enter and profile the work and achievements our Local Chamber Partners deliver to your business communities each and every day!
 
We hope you consider entry into the category, as the winner will go to our State to represent Sydney and Western Sydney, alongside our other regional Local Chamber finalists from across NSW.
 
To view the categories and start your application visit:
 
WSABE Awards – close Friday 27^th June -  https://wsabe.com.au ( members entry)  
                                                                       2025 Awards –  (Local Chamber category only)


Sydney Awards -  close Friday 4^th July  -    https://www.businessnsw.com/events/2025-business-awards/sydney
 
 
2025 Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout  - Locals Supporting Locals 
Homelessness is a growing issue, and the Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout is a powerful initiative designed to spotlight this challenge and drive positive change. This event raises crucial funds to support vulnerable people across NSW.
 
For one night, locals register to sleep out, braving the cold to raise much-needed funds for Vinnies services and programs in their communities. Along the way, participants gain valuable insights into the harsh realities faced by those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
 
Since its inception in 2018, community members have come together for this statewide effort, raising over $1 million to support people in both regional and metropolitan areas of NSW who are doing it tough. It’s a true demonstration of locals supporting locals.
 
If you would like to create a sleepout for your area to support the  2025 Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout, happening on Friday, 29th August 2025*. – visit the website Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout 2025 - NSW
 
 
 
Local Chamber Alliance Partner - webinar series
 
As part of the Alliance Program offering, we have been running a series of Local Chamber Only webinars for our Presidents and Chamber Executives across NSW, we really want this series to be something you can share and gain insight from a range of topics and guest speakers.
 
If you have any suggestions of topics of guest speakers you would like to see,  please send an email with suggestions, we are always looking for topics that will help you and your executives.
 
Our next webinar is scheduled for July, we will have details for this event to you in the coming weeks and look forward to you joining us.
 
If you missed our last webinar you can view the recording here: https://vimeo.com/1088622082/264fa96a58?share=copy
 
 
If you have any questions regarding the Local Chamber Program, please reach out for assistance.

 

Business Month 2025

The NSW Small Business Commission is pleased to announce NSW Small Business Month will be returning in October 2025. 

Organisations can now submit their interest in becoming an official collaboration partner for NSW Small Business Month October 2025! 

The Collaboration Partner Program is your chance to connect with, support, and celebrate the small business community in NSW.

In 2025, collaboration partners are asked to base their event around one or more of the following areas: 

• Capability and Skills
• Networking
• Free Services