Winning government contracts can be a game-changer for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across New South Wales. From supplying essential goods and services to long-term partnerships, selling to the NSW Government opens up stable, high-value business opportunities. But for many business owners, navigating public sector procurement can seem daunting. That’s where Service NSW for Business steps in as your trusted guide and facilitator.
This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of how Service NSW helps entrepreneurs and businesses—big or small—access government procurement opportunities, register as suppliers, and position themselves competitively in the public sector market.
Why Sell to the NSW Government?
The NSW Government spends billions of dollars every year on products and services, making it one of the largest buyers in the state. This includes everything from IT solutions and catering to cleaning, construction, professional consulting, and medical supplies.
Benefits of selling to the government include:
- Consistent, reliable income from long-term contracts
- Reputation boost from working with public agencies
- Increased market reach through government referrals and exposure
- Diverse opportunities across regional and metro NSW
How Service NSW for Business Supports You
Service NSW offers a suite of tools, services, and advisors to help you become procurement-ready and connect with government buyers. Below are the key areas where their support makes a real difference:
1. Personalised Guidance Through the Business Concierge
Not sure where to begin? Service NSW offers free one-on-one support via a dedicated Business Concierge. Your advisor can:
- Explain how NSW Government procurement works
- Assess your business’s readiness to become a supplier
- Help you understand eligibility requirements
- Assist with registration on supplier platforms
- Identify tenders and contracts relevant to your industry
You can book a Business Concierge session online or call 13 77 88.
2. Get Registered on eTendering Portals
To sell to the government, your business must register on the official procurement portal: eTendering (https://tenders.nsw.gov.au).
Service NSW can guide you through:
- Creating a supplier profile
- Uploading capability statements and certifications
- Setting up alerts for relevant tenders
- Understanding category codes and keywords
This registration ensures that your business is visible to government buyers and allows you to respond to tenders directly online.
3. Help with Writing Competitive Tender Responses
Writing a successful bid or proposal is a skill—and Service NSW can help you sharpen it. Your Business Concierge can offer tips on:
- Structuring your response clearly and professionally
- Highlighting your experience, value, and risk mitigation strategies
- Complying with evaluation criteria and mandatory documents
- Meeting deadlines and submission protocols
Even if you’re new to the process, you’ll get the clarity and confidence to prepare a winning bid.
4. Supporting Aboriginal-Owned Businesses
If your business is Aboriginal- or Torres Strait Islander-owned, you may qualify under the Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP). This initiative requires NSW Government agencies to allocate a percentage of their spending to registered Indigenous suppliers.
Service NSW will help with:
- APP supplier registration
- Certification through Supply Nation or NSWICC
- Connecting to buyers with dedicated procurement targets
5. Local and Regional Supplier Opportunities
Government buyers are actively looking to support businesses in regional NSW. Service NSW can help local business owners:
- Find tenders issued by regional councils and departments
- Connect with Regional NSW Procurement Hubs
- Leverage location-based preferences where available
This makes public sector work more accessible to businesses outside major urban centres.
6. Understand Government Procurement Rules
Service NSW also ensures you understand key procurement frameworks like:
- Procurement Policy Framework
- NSW Government Procurement Board Directions
- Code of Practice for Procurement
Knowing these rules helps your business maintain compliance and professional integrity throughout the procurement process.
Tips for Success When Selling to Government
- Focus on value, not just price – Show how you deliver reliability, quality, and risk management.
- Build relationships – Attend procurement webinars and supplier briefings hosted by agencies.
- Get feedback – If your tender is unsuccessful, ask for debriefs to improve future bids.
- Stay up-to-date – Sign up for tender alerts and follow Service NSW for new programs and policy changes.
Conclusion: Service NSW Is Your Government Sales Partner
Selling to the government is no longer just for big corporations. With Service NSW by your side, your business—whether a solo consultancy or a growing SME—can access powerful public sector opportunities with the right support.
From initial registration to tender writing and compliance, Service NSW’s comprehensive assistance ensures you’re not navigating the system alone.
Ready to become a government supplier? Visit service.nsw.gov.au/business to connect with a Business Concierge and start your procurement journey today.
📢 Share Your Experience or Become a Guest Contributor
Have you won a government contract with support from Service NSW? Want to write a guest article about procurement success?
Email us at [email protected] to share your story or contribute a guest blog to inspire others in the business community.
