NAB data reveals the top postcodes for new business account opening
Melbourne’s CBD has been identified as the fastest-growing area for new businesses in Australia.
New data from NAB shows postcode 3000 topped the national list for new business account openings in the year to September 2025.
This resurgence suggests that city centres are reclaiming their status as economic hubs after years of pandemic-induced disruption.
Sydney’s CBD (2000) followed closely behind in second place.
Interestingly, the western Melbourne corridor of Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit (3029) rounded out the top three, highlighting the growth of suburban entrepreneurship.
NAB’s Australia’s most entrepreneurial neighbourhoods
- 3000 – Melbourne CBD & immediate surrounds
- 2000 – Sydney CBD & immediate surrounds
- 3029 – Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit & Truganina
- 3030 – Point Cook & Werribee
- 3064 – Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Kalkallo & Mickleham
- 4350 – Toowoomba
- 3977 – Cranbourne, Skye & Devon Meadows
- 3175 – Dandenong (inc north, south, east & west)
- 4000 – Brisbane CBD & immediate surrounds
- 2170 – Liverpool & surrounds
Growth sectors and regions
Total new business transaction account openings jumped 12% year-on-year across the bank's customer base.
Growth in the major CBDs was driven largely by professional services, particularly in legal and accounting sectors.
Meanwhile, transport and freight businesses are booming in Melbourne’s outer west due to affordable land and freeway access.
The surge in activity coincides with a 9.2% rise in NAB’s small business lending, which has now reached $13 billion.
NAB Executive for Small Business Krissie Jones said the data highlights the resilience of the sector despite economic headwinds.
"Australia's small business community was vibrant and growing in places people might not expect," Jones said.
She noted that many entrepreneurs are adapting to the current climate by starting businesses with lower overheads.
