Fiona Latham-Cannon Business Advisor

23/09/2025

In the past 2 years alone, as a dedicated and independent NSW Business Connect Advisor, I’ve had the privilege of delivering:

✔️ 1,277.5 advisory hours
✔️ 732 one-on-one sessions
✔️ 50 hours of webinars
✔️ 98.41% client satisfaction

But these numbers only tell part of the story. Behind them are real people, real businesses, and powerful stories of resilience, innovation and growth. I’m proud to have walked alongside more than 300 business owners on their journeys, helping to build confidence and create opportunities across our region.

The closure of NSW Business Connect has left a significant gap for regional businesses that deserve this kind of tailored, professional support. NSW Business Connect has been more than a support program, it’s a lifeline for small business owners.

I’ll continue to use my voice and stand with others calling for its reinstatement, because when local businesses thrive, our communities thrive too.

22/09/2025

In the NSW Upper House last week, the Nationals, Liberals and cross-bench were successful in a motion condemning Labor’s decision to scrap the Business Connect program and calling for its immediate reinstatement (a vote of 19–14).

The NSW Nationals and Liberals have committed to bringing back Business Connect - which we introduced in 2017.

The highly valuable program has helped 60,000+ small businesses, created more than 40,000 jobs, and returned up to 3x its cost back into the economy.

In the words of CEO of Realise Business, Martin Rogers: “Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy. They represent 97% of businesses, employ 1.8 million people and contribute more than $535 billion in sales every year. For the Government to cut a program that costs $10 million but delivers a 3:1 return on investment is simply madness.”

Labor’s Minister for Small Business said in Budget Estimates that business owners could just “Google” answers to their ongoing challenges - a disconnected and disappointing response to the day-to-day realities being faced.

19/09/2025

🎉 Happy National Family Business Day!

Today we recognise the vital role family-run businesses play in shaping Australia’s economy, communities, and culture.

Running a business with family brings unique strengths and challenges. Here are our 5 practical tips to help your family business thrive:

1️⃣ Define roles and boundaries: Clarify responsibilities and decision-making authority to avoid confusion.

2️⃣ Keep communication open: Regular, honest conversations help align goals and strengthen relationships.

3️⃣ Put it in writing: Document agreements and policies to protect both the business and family dynamics.

4️⃣ Separate work from home life: Make time to connect as a family outside of business hours — it matters.

5️⃣ Plan for the future: Start early conversations about succession, growth, and exit strategies.

👏 To all the family businesses out there, thank you for your resilience, innovation, and heart.

18/09/2025

Bega Valley Council have a motion to request the reinstatement of the Business Connect program provided by the Service NSW Business Bureau.
“A substantial number of start-ups and existing small businesses in our shire are where they are today because of Business Connect support. It created innovation, jobs and confidence.”

Mayor Fitzpatrick said for many years Council has been submitting motions at the annual
LGNSW conference.

“Advocacy is a key role of Council and a strategic, collaborative approach to advocacy is essential for ensuring our shire receives proper recognition in policy and funding decisions made by other levels of government.”

“All motions submitted by NSW councils will be debated and resolved by conference delegates and the successful resolutions will guide
LGNSW’s advocacy priorities for the year ahead.”

Further information on the motions is in the 11.2 report of the 17 September Council Meeting.

Bega Valley Shire Business NSW

18/09/2025

Bega Valley calls to reinstate Business Connect. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Snowy Monaro Regional Council The Monaro Post

Bega Valley Shire Mayor and Councillors today agreed to submit five motions to the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference, to be held in

14/09/2025

Today, I'm at a crossroads. I'm thinking about what’s next for me, after the sudden end of the NSW Business Connect program.

Working with Enterprise Plus has been so rewarding, and something I’ve looked forward to every day. Advising and training business owners has definitely been my dream job, both in Business Connect and the Digital Business Solutions program since 2021.

Being an integral part of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce (Far South Coast & Capital winner of the most outstanding Chamber in 2024 & 2025), plus managing my private clients with Tall Red Poppy, has kept me pretty busy for the past 10 years, while helping to steer a couple of local not-for-profits in that time as well.

In a previous life, I grew and led our award-winning family business, Latham's Music, for over 30 of it's 63 years. I managed to coordinate this retail/wholesale life plus raise three beautiful, intelligent and talented girls. Throw in a five year stint owning a fine dining restaurant; it’s sure been a roller-coaster ride that's for sure!

But now I ask myself ... what’s next? How can I keep doing what I love the most? Mentoring small business owners, passing on those lessons I have learned, both the good and the hard, into the future. Keeping the wheels turning in a digital world where so many business owners rely on the quick and effective assistance I can give them. It is certainly a hell of a lot more effective than just Googling it!

There's a few things in the cooker, and only time will tell what ends up surfacing. But in the meantime, I think I'll get some spring skiing in, and maybe take a quick trip to NYC to see my Golden Girl xx

Stay in touch,
With Gratitude,
Fiona

10/09/2025

John’s 80th Birthday Celebration 🎉

On Saturday, 4 October, we’ll gather at The Banjo to celebrate Postie John’s 80th birthday ~ a milestone worthy of great company, laughter, and stories.

✨ What to expect:
• Food provided (no one leaves hungry!)
• Buy your own drinks at the bar
• Bring a story about Posty John to share with a friend ~ the funnier or more heartfelt, the better!

Everyone is welcome, so don’t miss the chance to honour John and his eight wonderful decades.

📅 RSVP by 1 October
Please book before then so The Banj knows how many people to cater for.

Sláinte! 🍻

10/09/2025

NYC’s Tribute in Light | Every year on September 11, New York City honours the lives lost with the powerful Tribute in Light~two beams of light rising from the Lower Manhattan Twin Towers Memorial Site.
After 24 years I’m still speechless.

10/09/2025

🚨 Today in Parliament, Hon. Rod Roberts called out the NSW Government’s decision to cut Business Connect from 30 September 2025. Small business makes up 97% of NSW businesses, employing 1.8 million people and contributing $535 billion to our economy. Cutting this proven program is not just shor...

07/09/2025

I’m feeling it!!! … You’re never really cured!!!

06/09/2025

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05/09/2025

Give yourselves a big pat on the back 🥳🥳🥳