NSW Small Business Commissioner, Ms Kalina Koloff, will visit Bega and Batemans Bay this week to hear directly from manufacturers, growers, food producers and business leaders about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the South Coast economy.
The visit, part of NSW Small Business Month, will bring together representatives from the region's manufacturing, agriculture, aquaculture and food production sectors through a series of roundtables, industry meetings and networking events focused on strengthening regional businesses and supporting future growth.
The visit follows the launch of the NSW Small Business Commission's new Insights Paper, NSW Small Business: A Story of Diversity and Dynamism, which show a different face of small business in NSW and highlights the growing contribution of knowledge-based industries, digital technology and innovation that supports business growth.
The South Coast is home to thousands of small businesses that are helping drive economic activity, employment and innovation across the region.
The Eurobodalla Local Government Area is home to 3,268 small businesses, with construction accounting for 938 businesses, or 28.7 per cent of all businesses in the region. Professional, scientific and technical services (10.4 per cent), rental, hiring and real estate services (9.6 per cent), agriculture, forestry and fishing (7.1 per cent) and retail trade (7.0 per cent) are also major contributors to the local economy.
The neighbouring Bega Valley Local Government Area is home to 3,335 small businesses, with construction the largest sector, accounting for 745 businesses, or 22.3 per cent of all businesses. Agriculture, forestry and fishing (16.1 per cent), professional, scientific and technical services (9.6 per cent), rental, hiring and real estate services (8.2 per cent) and health care and social assistance (6.7 per cent) are also significant contributors to the region's prosperity.
Across the Far South Coast, manufacturing, agriculture, aquaculture and food production continue to play a vital role in supporting local jobs, creating economic opportunities and driving innovation in regional communities. The Commission's insights paper shows small businesses are increasingly embracing technology, diversifying their customer base and finding new ways to grow beyond traditional local markets.
The NSW Small Business Commissioner, Kalina Koloff, will visit the South Coast and will moderate a manufacturing and agriculture business panel at the Bega Chamber networking event, host Makers and Growers Roundtables in Bega and Batemans Bay, meet with representatives from the Bega Circular Valley Program and visit the National Circularity Centre. She will also meet with representatives from Bega Group and local dairy farmers to discuss opportunities and challenges facing one of the region's most important industries.
To explore and register to attend Small Business Month events, please visit: NSW Small Business Month 2026 | NSW Government
NSW Small Business Commissioner, Kalina Koloff, said:
“South Coast businesses are not standing still. They're embracing technology, expanding into new markets and finding new opportunities for growth. Across Eurobodalla and Bega Valley, more than 6,600 small businesses are helping shape the future of the region through innovation, investment and entrepreneurship.
"I'm looking forward to hearing directly from business owners about where they see the biggest opportunities and what's next for their businesses and their communities. These conversations are critical to ensuring regional businesses have the support they need to innovate, grow and continue creating jobs in their communities."
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
"I'm proud to support the hundreds of businesses on the South Coast of NSW who are building economic opportunity and helping ensure regional NSW remains a great place to live, work and operate.
"NSW Small Business Month is a chance to shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, family businesses and local employers whose hard work strengthens our communities every day. Their success is critical to the future prosperity of our entire state.”
Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our South Coast communities, creating local jobs, supporting families and bringing new ideas and investment to our region.
“Following the Minister for Small Business, The Hon Janelle Saffin's visit to the Bega Electorate, the Small Business Commissioner coming to the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from local businesses about the challenges they face and the opportunities they see for the future.
“Our makers, growers, manufacturers and food producers are doing some great things, and I am determined to make sure their experiences are being heard and that government is supporting them to grow and create jobs locally.”
ENDS
Notes-
The findings referenced in this release are drawn from the NSW Small Business Commission's NSW Small Business: A Story of Diversity and Dynamism Insights Paper, based on the NSW Small Business Survey (n=524, conducted in July 2026), four qualitative focus groups undertaken across NSW in 2026, and Australian Bureau of Statistics data. The full Insights Paper, photography and case studies are available here
NSW Small Business Month is the state's flagship celebration of small business, held annually throughout October. Led by the NSW Small Business Commission, the program features events, workshops and networking opportunities designed to support, connect and champion small business owners across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
MEDIA:
Lisa Miller | Dr Michael Holland MP Member for Bega | 02 6492 2056
