We’re inviting local businesses to take part in our annual Business Needs survey and share key insights on needs, priorities and operational challenges.
We’re asking business owners to let us know their needs now, and into the future. The online survey is open until midnight Sunday 18 September.
Feedback from the survey will help us develop support according to the current and future needs of local businesses and advocate for government support.
A pulse-check from the frontline
“Over the past couple of years, we have experienced unprecedented change in our business landscape.” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“I urge all businesses to take part in the survey, so we can better understand their needs, economic trends, and priorities so we can continue to help their business grow and prosper.”
The survey is being delivered in partnership with Business Sydney. Paul Nicolaou, executive director Business Sydney, encouraged businesses from all sectors to take part in the survey, from retailers, creative businesses and tourism operators to hospitality owners and businesses working in professional services and technology.
“In order to devise and tailor support programs and other business-benefitting initiatives and measures, we need to get an accurate take on what it’s like on the ground for those on the frontline of the city’s business community, so I urge everyone to complete this survey,” Mr Nicolaou said.
Helping plan for the road ahead
Feedback from the survey will be used to monitor trends such as business confidence, the need for business capacity-building initiatives, flexible working, diversity and inclusion practices, resilience and preparedness, and sustainability practices.
As well as providing insights into the current state of business operations, the survey will continue to be held annually for at least the next five years. This will ensure there is data year-on-year to monitor trends across the city.
The survey follows support introduced by the City of Sydney over the last couple of years to address business needs. In the wake of the pandemic, we conducted surveys in 2020 and 2021 that focussed on Covid recovery, and the results helped drive a series of responses including the al fresco city program, CBD activation grants, the CBD revitalisation campaign, outdoor dining initiatives and free capacity-building programs like Reboot and the Charge Up Challenge.
Be part of Sydney’s business community story
The survey has also been provided in several languages including traditional and simplified Chinese, Thai, Korean and Indonesian to ensure as many businesses across the city as possible take part and provide feedback.
The survey closes at midnight Sunday 18 September.
Published 9 August 2022, updated 29 February 2024
