The private business sector of Greater Western Sydney is expanding at one of the fastest rates in the country.
Recent economic data highlights Greater Western Sydney’s transformation into one of Australia’s most significant economic engines. According to NAB’s Horizons report, business deposits in Greater Western Sydney increased by 9.8 percent year-on-year, reflecting improved liquidity and stronger confidence to reinvest. Business lending grew by 9.2 percent to May 2025, outperforming the broader NSW average of 7 percent. Population projections and investment activity across the region point to continued expansion over the next decade.
With more than 450,000 private businesses operating across Western Sydney and the Parramatta LGA now recognised as Australia’s third-largest economy, the region presents both major opportunities and increasing strategic challenges for business leaders.
That’s where Coraggio comes in.
The company has announced that it will officially launch its first advisory boards in the region to support this growing business community.
Coraggio says it’s expanding its nationally recognised peer-to-peer advisory board model into Greater Western Sydney to provide business owners with access to structured support, strategic clarity and a trusted community of peers.
Coraggio shareholder John Surian believes this is a pivotal moment for business leaders in the region.
“Courage, or Coraggio, is the ability to overcome danger or pain,’’ he says.
“Being in business is inherently risky and not for the faint-hearted.
“One way business leaders can avoid this risk and maximise their rewards is by learning from the positive and negative experiences of others.
“Openly sharing skills, experiences and knowledge within a diverse, non-competitive and trustworthy environment equips leaders to avoid the pitfalls that bring so many unstuck.
“Coraggio advisory boards provide a forum for ambitious members to build, grow and even exit their businesses under the guidance of an experienced chair and with support from fellow members, where camaraderie and friendship often become welcomed benefits,’’ Mr Surian said.
“Western Sydney, home to more than 2.8 million people and over 450,000 businesses, is an economic powerhouse. Coraggio will now be part of that growth, providing entrepreneurs, business owners and executives with commercial and financial guidance.”
Coraggio CEO Richard Skarzynski believes the timing could not be more important for business leaders in the region.
“Western Sydney is entering a generational period of growth. With opportunity comes complexity, and business owners can no longer afford to make decisions in isolation,’’ he said.
“Peer-to-peer mentoring has never been more valuable. Leaders need trusted voices who understand the pressures of scaling, hiring, cashflow and strategy execution.
“Coraggio exists to provide that community, accountability and strategic advantage. We are committed to supporting the many entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of Western Sydney.”
Coraggio is a membership-based organisation that facilitates advisory boards for private business owners throughout Australia.
Members meet monthly in confidential boardroom environments led by an experienced chair and supported by legal and accounting advisors.
The model is designed to provide clarity, accountability and practical solutions to business challenges.
Coraggio currently operates advisory boards across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Its first Western Sydney advisory boards will open in March 2026.
To support its expansion into Western Sydney, Coraggio has appointed three highly experienced chairs who bring decades of business, leadership and industry knowledge to the region.
Bill Gremos began his business journey as a teenager and went on to found and lead the DecoRug Retail Group, which expanded to more than 35 locations across four states. With deep experience in retail operations, franchise development and business scaling, Gremos brings practical commercial insight and a strong passion for mentoring emerging business leaders.
With more than 30 years’ experience in fit-out and refurbishment across Sydney, Joe Fusca
founded Graphite Projects in 2012 and has since grown the business into a respected leader within the sector. Previously, Joe served as NSW state manager of a national firm with approximately $100 million in annual turnover. His expertise includes operations management, leadership development, HR systems and organisational growth, making him an invaluable resource for Western Sydney business leaders.
Sudhakar Rao has more than 30 years of international experience in marketing, strategy and brand management across global markets. He has held senior roles with major brands such as Hasbro and Tommee Tippee and, for the past two decades, has successfully built and scaled a distribution and brand management enterprise across Australia, New Zealand and India, generating more than A$250 million in retail sales. His strategic thinking and cross-cultural business experience provide Western Sydney businesses with a global perspective on growth.