Women in Business Mentor Program

Success of the Women in Business Mentor Program
Program Structure
Program Participants
Program Costs
Eligibility Criteria for Mentoree Subsidy
More Information
Program Providers

• Download 2009 Mentoree Application Form as a Word document;  or as an Acrobat Reader document 
• Download 2009 Mentor Application Form as a Word document;  or as an Acrobat Reader document
• Please send all applications to Manager Women in Business, Department of State and Regional Development, GPO Box 5477, Sydney 2001

The Women in Business Mentor Program helps up-and-coming women business owners (mentorees) grow their business by linking them with experienced business people (mentors).

The Program, which encourages co-operative learning between business people, uses mentoring and practical sessions to help women improve their business skills and boost their confidence.  Networking is a key component of the Program.

The Women in Business Mentor Program launched in 2005.

Almost 2,000 women have participated in the Program since its inception.

Success of the Women in Business Mentor Program

By the end of the Program:

• 93 per cent of mentorees improved their business skills;
• 85 per cent of mentorees had better business networks;
• 70 per cent of mentorees increased their annual turnover;
• 24 per cent of mentorees employed more staff.

Details of locations for the 2008 Programs can be found here.  Information on regional programs can be found here and growth strategy workshops for women in business here.

Program Structure

The Women in Business Mentor Program runs for 45 hours over six months, including introductory briefing sessions.  The Program's four components include:

• business skills workshops (18 hours);
• business forums (five hours);
• networking event (two hours);
• one-on-one mentoring meetings (20 hours).

Business Skills Workshops
The workshops cover business development planning (two workshops), financial management (two workshops) and marketing and strategic selling (one workshop each).

At the end of the Program, participants will have developed an appropriate business plan which covers the goals and objectives of their business.

Business Forums
The business forums include a mini expo and a business panel discussion which give participants a chance to share information and explore specific aspects of running a business.

The Networking Event
The networking event promotes the development and expansion of business connections.

Program Participants

Mentorees
The Women in Business Mentor Program is tailored for small business owners or operators who draw most of their income from a business and are committed to growing the business and achieving commercial success.

Mentors
A mentor must have a minimum of five years recent experience as a successful small business owner or operator.  The mentor must sign an agreement stating they will avoid all conflicts of interest and will not breach confidentiality.  Strong communication skills are mandatory.  Men and women can act as mentors.

Program Costs

To join the Women in Business Mentor Program as a mentoree the cost is $1,210 (including GST).  The NSW Department of State and Regional Development offers a subsidy of 50 per cent for mentorees, reducing the price to a maximum of $605 (including GST).  This offer is for mentorees who meet certain eligibility criteria (see below).

The subsidy is offered at the discretion of DSRD and may be on a competitive basis.  There is no charge for mentors.

Eligibility Criteria for Mentoree Subsidy

To be eligible for a subsidy a mentoree must:

• own or operate a small business for between six months and two years;
• operate the business full-time;
• draw the bulk of income from the business as an owner or operator;  and
• be committed to growing the business and achieving commercial success.

For full eligibility criteria and application form for mentorees, click here.  For full eligibility criteria and application form for mentors, click here.

Christine Mancer - BildaVoid Concrete Voidforming Systems BildaVoid Concrete Void Forming Systems makes and distributes void forming products for use in the building and construction industry. Participation in the Women in Business Mentor Program allowed Christine Mancer to meet other women facing similar business issues. "We all helped each other with ideas and solutions to everyday problems that arise when operating a small business," christine said. "Having a mentor to talk with and help out with ideas was fantastic.  It's hard being a one-woman business and not having anyone to ask for their opinion or advice. "I was only part-way through the Program when my sales went through the roof!  I was flat out trying to keep up with my workload and contemplated employing someone to help me with my fast-growing business," she said. For more information go to www.bildavoid.com.au. Tania Notaras - Envirolab Services Envirolab Services of Willoughby analyses soil, water, air and asbestos samples.  The laboratory, which employs 20 people, is well ahead of the industry standard, but to stay ahead owner Tania Notaras realised the necessity of acquiring additional skills to manage the rapidly-growing business. Tania joined the Women in Business Mentor Program, where she was paired with a mentor who provided sound guidance and encouragement. The Program gave Tania the right support to take the business up to the next level and her mentor advised her not to expand too rapidly - guidance which proved sensible. Since completing the Women in Business Mentor Program Tania Notaras has signficantly increased staff numbers and turnover at Envirolab Services. For more information to go www.envirolabservices.com.au.

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For more information on the Women in Business Program, contact:

Manager, Women in Business
NSW Department of State and Regional Development
Phone:  9338 6750
Email:  first@business.nsw.gov.au

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Program Providers

Western Sydney
Provider:  Business Advisory Services Inc
Phone:  9687 6944
Fax:  9687 6955
Email:  info@basi.com.au

Chatswood
Provider:  Business Enterprise Centre Northside
Phone:  9415 2630
Fax:  9415 2624
Email:  becn@bigpond.com.au

Newcastle
Provider:  Hunter Business Centre
Phone:  4925 7700
Email:  info@businesscentre.com.au

St George-Sutherland
Provider:  St George-Sutherland Business Enterprise Centre
Phone:  9545 5900
Fax:  9545 5988
Email:  bec@becsmallbiz.com.au

Sydney CBD
Provider:  Eastern Suburbs Business Enterprise Centre
Phone:  9369 2844
Fax:  9387 6441
Email:  david@easternsuburbsbec.com.au

Helen Davis, Oh de Toilette-Mentoree

Any personal information provided to the Department is voluntary and protected by the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW).  The information is important for improving our services.  The information may be used to send you communications about business-related activities such as newsletters, flyers and invitations.  Please refer here for more information on our privacy policy.

The Women in Business programs run by the Department of State and Regional Development have an exemption under the Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977.