NSW Trade & Investment's Business Mentoring program offers focussed workshops with the bonus of a business mentor to help your business grow.

NSW Trade & Investment supports a number of mentoring programs across the state for established business owners in their growth stage.  The program incorporates specific business workshops and mentoring providing both peer to peer and one on one business assistance.

The Business Mentoring and training program enables business owners to experience the benefits of a professional business mentor coupled with a co-operative learning environment.  The program helps participants reach their full potential enabling them to develop their business further by using a mentor to exchange their insights and experiences.

The program incorporates four streams, aimed at targeted business owners:

• Young Entrepreneurs (18-35 years)
• Women in Business
• Small Business
• Advanced Business Mentoring (For companies over $1 million in turnover)

Young Entrepreneurs are the future business leaders in NSW. This program targets Gen Y entrepreneurs by providing practical workshops coupled with a business mentor who can guide the participant through the next stages of the business.

Women in Business offers a proven formula of core workshops, mentoring and networking to strengthen the growth stage of your business. The program provides the empowerment, support and encouragement for women business owners need to succeed.

Small Business owners in their growth stage may need an extra boost or a mentor who acts as a sounding board to help the business grow.  This program accelerates business skills to the next level and may be industry specific. The program is available to owners of established businesses who have been operating for over two years and employ staff.

The Advanced Business Mentoring program encourages high growth companies to accelerate with one on one mentoring. Companies must have a genuine business issue that requires assistance. To be eligible to apply for this program businesses need a turnover of over $500,000 (regional) or $1million (metropolitan).

Mentors
Mentoring is a rewarding experience as the mentor can pass on knowledge, insights and skills to help small businesses in the early stages of their business.  Mentors provide support and guidance and need to have strong communication skills. If you have a minimum of five years recent experience as a business owner and would like to be considered as a mentor, please email mentoring.smallbiz@business.nsw.gov.au.