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 affiliation with Business NSW and My Business extends our reach and the range of products and services we can offer.
- Our Illawarra First & Regional Leaders champion the strategic interests of the Illawarra, Shoalhaven & Southern Highlands based on a foundation of solid evidence and first-class thought leadership.
Our premium memberships, the Illawarra FIRST and Regional Leaders, are invite-only partnerships for the businesses and executives who don’t just operate in this region — they elevate it.
We work with respected leaders to ensure the business voice is not only heard, it's respected.
Business Illawarra is a movement that brings together high-calibre executives and best-in-class businesses who want to build a more connected, competitive and future-ready region. Together, we shape strategy, inform advocacy and drive outcomes that matter.
We work to stimulate our region’s growth with a strong united voice, based on a foundation of solid evidence and first-class thought leadership to progress key priorities including improving connectivity with Sydney, realising greater value from existing strategic infrastructure and leveraging competitive advantages to bolster economic growth.
DRIVING the business ADVOCACY AGENDA
As a not-for-profit, our membership fees are reinvested into the development of further initiatives based on the interests of members and the region.
Our members are deeply involved in our policy development and have the opportunity to influence our research priorities and inform our advocacy efforts to government and key stakeholders.
Through a close engagement with all levels of government and leaders in business, our partners present a united and sophisticated voice for the region with a clear emphasis on outcomes.
THE ILLAWARRA FIRST FUND
Effective public policy must be evidence based, and so a fund comprising $1 million has been established to support Illawarra First’s thought leadership and advocacy work.
In partnership with FIRST partners, we advance the regional economy through strategic and influential research and strategy, providing investment and policy outcomes for a strong future.
Offered exclusively to organisations that share our values and are recognised leaders in their field: we work with businesses whose influence, expertise and ambition help shape the future of the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands.
We invite the businesses whose decisions guide industries, whose voices carry weight, and who want their influence to strengthen the region we all depend on.
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 region.
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.
We also collaborate with other organisations to deliver joint events focused on local issues and business development opportunities at various points throughout the year.
WE ARE TRUSTED +
VALUES DRIVEN
Business Illawarra and Business NSW are very respected and trusted brands in market.
Have your name alongside recognised and trusted leaders to build recognised credibility
Align your business with the premier advocacy network in the region and the oldest and most respected business association NSW - trading for 200 years in 2026.