200 years of backing business
Since 1826, Business NSW has been giving businesses a stronger voice. We represent the interests of members, advocate on the issues that matter and provide practical support to help businesses start, run and grow.
200 years together
Behind every business is a story. Across industries, regions and generations, our members share why they joined Business NSW, their experience running a business, and what membership means to them. Together, their stories bring to life the people, ideas and entrepreneurial spirit behind our 200-year journey.
A story of progress
Founder Howard Croker and Owner Darren Croker of Croker Oars
Business NSW has been supporting businesses across New South Wales since 1826, making it Australia’s longest-standing business organisation. It began as the Sydney Chamber of Commerce, when a group of merchants came together with the belief that business needed a stronger voice. That belief continues to guide the organisation today.
Over the years, Business NSW has helped shape major economic debates, pushed for reform of the workers’ compensation system, and stood alongside businesses through generations of change. From merchants trading in the early colony to today’s businesses competing in a global economy, it has evolved alongside the businesses it represents – ensuring their experiences and priorities are heard when decisions are made.
Our journey
For 200 years, Business NSW has evolved alongside the businesses and communities of New South Wales. Discover the key milestones that have shaped our journey.
1826
Sydney Chamber of Commerce established.
1885
The Chamber of Manufactures of NSW emerges, building on overlapping membership drawn from the Sydney Chamber of Commerce.
1912
Chamber of Manufactures of NSW establishes Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company (MMI), offering employer-based insurance mutuals.
1935
Manufacturers House opens at 12–14 O’Connell Street, Sydney.
1947
Workplace Advice Unit started, where enquiries were received by mail. This would eventually become the Workplace Advice Line.
1980
Workers’ compensation scheme remit expands to include cost containment and injury management.
1995
Australian Business Limited is formed, acting as an effective holding company in place of the Chamber of Manufactures of NSW with ABI as its industrial wing.
2006
Australian Business Limited and the State Chamber of Commerce NSW merge to form NSW Business Chamber Ltd.
2014
Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) was established to deliver the Australian Government’s Apprenticeship Support Services as an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
2015
Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors (ABLA) opens.
2020
NSW Business Chamber rebrands as Business NSW.
2025
Business NSW supports legislative reforms to the workers’ compensation scheme, including measures to improve financial sustainability and clearer definitions for psychological injury.
2026
Business NSW celebrates turning 200.
Business NSW today
Today, Business NSW operates as both an advocacy body and a statewide network of chambers, connected across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
That network is its strength. Local chambers feed in insights from their own communities and industries, ensuring business conditions on the ground are understood at the highest levels of decision-making. It includes Business Sydney, Business Western Sydney, Business Hunter and Business Illawarra. Business NSW also has a strong presence on the Central Coast, Far South Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and North West, Northern Rivers, Western NSW and Riverina Murray.
Together, they give voice to a diverse business community – from global exporters and manufacturers to family-run regional firms. Women now play a central role across leadership, governance and advocacy, reflecting a more inclusive organisation than at any point in its history.
At a national level, Business NSW connects into the broader business system through Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ensuring NSW business priorities contribute to federal policy conversations. As CEO Daniel Hunter has noted: “With an intricate network of city and regional chambers, Business NSW is in an unrivalled position to understand the hopes and challenges faced by the thousands of businesses that we represent and for whom we advocate."
Writing the next chapter
Business NSW Awards
The challenges facing businesses today differ from those of 1826, but the need for representation, practical policy and collective action endures. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce’s establishment paved the way not only for the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, but also for business chambers in every state and territory and their regional counterparts. The years ahead will bring new pressures – from economic uncertainty to technological change and intensifying global competition.
Business NSW will continue to drive reform, support growth and advocate for businesses across the state. Two hundred years ago, a small group of merchants envisioned a more prosperous future for business. Every generation since has built on that. The next chapter is now being written.
Explore our full history
Two centuries of backing business have created countless stories. Explore the Extended History for a deeper look at the people and moments that shaped our legacy.
