Wednesday, 9 April 2025
On Monday the 7th of April Maryanne Stuart MP, the Member for Heathcote, hosted the second Heathcote Small Business Forum at the University of Wollongong Sutherland Campus.
Over 90 residents and small business owner and operators from the Heathcote Electorate attended the event to discuss and work with the Minns Labor Government directly, to make their voices heard and to liaise with the Government as to what support they need.
The NSW Premier Chris Minns MP attended the Forum as a guest speaker. His address emphasised that the NSW Government was focusing on three main issues to assist both local small businesses and residents in NSW, namely housing, workers compensation, and insurance. He then took several questions from the business owners in attendance.
Prominent academics from the University of Wollongong who specialise in commerce provided insights into the current challenges businesses are facing. Professor Troy Heffernan gave a talk on protecting small businesses from future challenges.
Dr. Kevin Huang gave a talk on harnessing artificial intelligence for small businesses. Dr. Tamantha Stutchbury provided an address outlining the University’s small to medium sized business incubator and accelerator, iAccelerate, which assists in the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship.
A representative from the Service NSW Business Bureau provided an outline of the support the Bureau can provide. This included personalised and free support for businesses, as well as independent business advice.
Also in attendance were Jeanne Zweck and Robert Stanley Jones from the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber, alongside Wollongong City Council Executive Officer of Government and Stakeholder relations, Michelle Guido and Economic Development Manager Mark Grimson.
The Forum facilitated discussion and networking opportunities between small businesses, the NSW Government, and the University of Wollongong. The continued input of all present is paramount in ensuring a thriving small business sector in the Heathcote electorate and beyond.
Maryanne Stuart MP, Member for Heathcote said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to hearing from, and working with, small businesses. These forums are a fantastic chance for local business owners to directly consult with us.
“This is the second Small Business Forum I have held. For some residents, this is just the start of the conversation I am having with small businesses in my electorate. For others, who attended the first Small Business Forum last year, they are aware that this conversation is ongoing.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, providing the goods and services we need, creating jobs for local people, and the jobs that give us purpose.”
