Practical support for local businesses this Small Business Month

Published on 08 October 2026

Narrabri Shire Council is celebrating NSW Small Business Month this October with a program of workshops, networking opportunities and business development events designed to provide practical support for local businesses.

Council has participated in NSW Small Business Month annually since 2018, with this year’s program focusing on emerging technology, digital capability, tourism development, financial management, networking and regional economic growth.

The program features six free events, the ticketed Business NSW New England North West Future Invest Forum, and Council’s continued support of the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on Saturday 10 October.

Small Business Liaison Officer Gilly Goddard said the program had been designed around practical skills and support that businesses could put into action.

“Small Business Month is an opportunity for our local business owners to take some time to work on their business, build their skills and make new connections,” Ms. Goddard said.

“Whether it’s learning how to use AI, improving cash flow, strengthening a tourism business or connecting with other businesses and industry leaders, we want people to walk away with something they can genuinely use.”

This year also marks the third year of Council’s Small Business Spotlight Program, with 20 local businesses receiving complimentary professional photography to help build a bank of high-quality images for their marketing and promotional activities.

The businesses will be showcased throughout October, celebrating the diversity of Narrabri Shire’s business community while highlighting the products and services available locally.

Council will also use Small Business Month to highlight its new partnership with the Australian Government’s Digital Solutions Program, connecting small businesses with free resources and events and low-cost one-on-one support to improve their digital capability.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said supporting local businesses was an important part of strengthening the Shire’s economy.

“Small businesses are a vital part of our communities. They create local jobs, provide essential services and contribute enormously to the character and strength of our towns,” Mayor Tiemens said.

“This year’s Small Business Month program is about giving businesses practical opportunities to build their capability, make connections and prepare for future growth.

“I encourage businesses from across the Shire to get involved and make the most of what’s on offer throughout October.”

Small Business Month events include:

• AI at Work Workshops – Friday, 16 October: Two workshops delivered by Regional AI Co. will introduce businesses to practical applications of artificial intelligence, from useful tools and safe practices through to integrating AI into business systems and improving productivity.
• Visitor Economy Essentials – Monday, 19 October: Destination NSW Outback and Country’s Fiona Barden will provide tourism, hospitality and visitor economy operators with practical strategies to attract visitors, strengthen their businesses and enhance customer experiences.
• Business NSW New England North West Future Invest Forum – Thursday, 22 October: Investors, industry leaders, government representatives, councils and regional stakeholders will come together in Narrabri to discuss investment and economic growth across the New England North West.
• TEBA Learning Lunch – Cash Flow is Key – Tuesday, 27 October: A practical session helping business owners better understand cash flow and strengthen their financial management.
• Exploring AI for Small Business – Wednesday, 28 October: Delivered through the Australian Government’s Digital Solutions Program, this hands-on workshop will explore using AI to create content, images and video, improve prompting and safely incorporate AI into business operations.
• Small Business Month Networking Night – Wednesday, 28 October: Local businesses will come together at The Exchange to connect, collaborate and celebrate the contribution of small business to the Narrabri Shire economy.

Businesses can view the full Small Business Month program and find registration details via Narrabri Shire Council’s website.