As the region’s peak business organisation, we’re committed to meeting the specific needs of our dynamic business community by connecting members with the tools they need to succeed in business.
- Our policy and advocacy work provides a powerful voice for improvements to the regulation governing the conditions in which businesses operate.
- Our comprehensive events program provides members with influence, knowledge and the opportunity to stay connected and informed.
- Our IllawarraYES program assists businesses to meet identified skill shortages and seeks to prepare, skill and trial young job seekers.
- Our affiliation with Business NSW and My Business extends our reach and the range of products and services we can offer.
- Our Illawarra First leadership forum champions the strategic interests of the Illawarra based on a foundation of solid evidence and first-class thought leadership.
WORKING FOR THE ILLAWARRA
Business Illawarra works closely with members to identify the key issues impacting our business community and finds practical business and policy solutions to ensure all businesses across the Illawarra prosper.
Our advocacy program is focused on results and has undoubtedly improved business conditions for the more than 27,000 businesses that call the Illawarra home. To support our advocacy work we commission credible research and use evidence-based arguments to underpin our policy positions.
In challenging times, most recently through the bushfire season and with the emergence of the coronavirus, we worked closely with businesses to understand how they can be best supported by government and successfully argued for the appropriate measures.
STAY CONNECTED AND INFORMED
Business Illawarra presents the region’s leading business events program, bringing high-profile speakers, industry leaders and business experts to the Illawarra.
Our comprehensive program of events enables members to network with other professionals, learn new skills and form vital business connections at a range of regular networking, educational and executive-level forums.
Our monthly networking series, Business Before Hours and Business After Hours, gives members the opportunity to connect with local business owners and industry professionals in a relaxed and social atmosphere.
We also collaborate with other organisations to deliver joint events focused on local issues and business development opportunities at various points throughout the year.
OUR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Since 2016, IllawarraYES has focused on building entry level employment pathways for young people, comprised of vocational training, employability skills and work experience as well as on-the-job mentoring and support.
The program which is funded by the NSW Government assists business to meet identified skill shortages and seeks to prepare, skill and trial young job seekers prior to employment, by coordinating government funded training and job readiness programs including work experience tailored to business and industry requirements.
IllawarraYES also partners with members, local business and industry to achieve successful training and employment outcomes across Local Government, Construction, Hospitality, Aged Care, Call Centre and Transport sectors, supporting key growth areas.
The Strength of our National Network
For more than 195 years, our organisation has been supporting businesses in Australia. Today, we can provide your business with support and advice across a range of areas including:
- Legal
- HR and Workplace
- Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- Labour Hire and Recruitment
- Nursing and Community Support
- Exporting and International
- Marketing and Promotion
- Business Growth
- Cost Efficiency
Business Illawarra members benefit from our strategic affiliation with Business NSW, My Business and Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) which extends our reach and the range of products and services we can offer.
As an organisation we affect change and influence key decision makers at local and state-based levels, utilising the skills of an effective policy and advocacy team recognised across NSW and Australia as the best in the business.
Together we provide members with access to essential support services and expert advice, as well as an extensive library of online resources including templates, articles, webinars, exclusive communications and business updates.
