Launch of Seniors' Business Mentor Service

24/10/96

A service which links prospective business operators with experienced business practitioners has been launched by Small Business Minister Hendy Cowan.

Mr Cowan said the Seniors' Business Mentor Service would provide direct access to people who had experience, knowledge, perspective and insight into business practices.

"Mentoring is recognised as being one of the best methods of encouraging enterprise growth," he said.

"Perspective gained through life experience and insight means the Senior Mentor is equipped to address the isolation that new businesses experience in coping with the growth of their business."

Through the involvement of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), Business Enterprise Centres (BECs), the Office of Seniors Interests, Perth Rotary and the Department of Productivity and Labour Relations (DOPLAR), mentoring is now available at a local level.

Mr Cowan said the Senior Mentor Program was an excellent co-operative approach which tapped a much needed resource for small business development.

"With nearly one in four small business operators aged over 50 years and approaching retirement in Western Australia, there is a vast pool of knowledge available to channel back into the business community," he said.

"Small businesses generally do not have access to the resources or personnel that big business has. Senior mentors are experienced business people who can listen and communicate effectively and can guide, rather than drive, a business.

"The mentor can provide support in all aspects of business, including marketing, financial management and leasing, without interfering in key decision-making.

"Senior Mentors are equipped to assist with the advent of change in technology, changes in industrial relations laws, the complexities of taxation, international global markets and competition within industry.

"Nurturing small business is essential to maximising the economic and job creation benefits to the State of small business activity."

Media contacts: Michele Abonnel (SBDC) 220-0203

Peter Jackson (Minister's office) 222-9595