Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Also known as: NewAccess SBO, NASBO
Free six-session mental health coaching for small business owners under stress. Coaches have small business backgrounds. No GP referral required.
About this service
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a Beyond Blue program funded by the Commonwealth and extended to 30 June 2027. It provides up to six one-on-one sessions plus two follow-ups of low-intensity cognitive behavioural coaching. Coaches have small business backgrounds — they understand what running a business under pressure actually feels like. It is free, confidential, requires no GP referral, and is delivered by phone or video. Since launch in 2021, almost 10,000 owners have used it; Beyond Blue reports 76% showed clinically significant improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms.
When to use
You're stressed, anxious, sleeping badly, or feeling overwhelmed by the business. You want a structured set of conversations with someone who understands the context. You don't currently have a psychologist.
When not to use
Acute crisis (Lifeline 13 11 14 first). Complex mental health needs. You already have a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Who they help
Small business owners, sole traders, partners, and directors experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, or general overwhelm related to running their business.
Who they don't help
Anyone currently seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, anyone with severe or complex mental health issues, or anyone in acute crisis. Coaching is not psychotherapy. If you are in immediate distress or thinking about suicide, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.
Strengths
Coaches who actually understand small business. Evidence-based. Free, no referral, no GP gate. Phone or video. Funded through 30 June 2027.
Limitations
Not crisis support. Excludes anyone with severe or complex presentations or who is already seeing a psychologist. Limited to six sessions plus two follow-ups.
Source authority
www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/newaccess/newaccess-small-business-ownersFunded through .
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Small Business Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
We do not refer to commercial debt-relief operators.
Every service we point you to is free or low-cost, government-funded or not-for-profit, and independent of creditors. If a paid operator is offering to negotiate your ATO debt or run a Part IX agreement for a fee, talk to the Small Business Debt Helpline first — 1800 413 828, free.
TEKVA provides information, not financial counselling or legal advice. Phone numbers, URLs, and operating hours were checked on 26 May 2026.