Small Business Mentors honoured on International Volunteers Day

5/12/01
Small Business Minister Clive Brown recognised small business mentors at a function to celebrate their contribution which coincided with International Year of Volunteers Day today.
The mentors being celebrated were volunteers with the Small Business Development Corporation's Small Business Mentor Service.
"Since the inception of SBDC's business mentor service in 1996, there have been 210 mentor matches through the SBDC and 75 through the State-wide Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) network," Mr Brown said.

"A business mentor provides voluntary, practical, one-on-one guidance and information on key aspects of business activities, such as marketing, planning, e-commerce and exporting.
"Mentoring is a proven method of learning how to do business better.

"These mentors demonstrate a selfless commitment to sharing their time, passing on their skills and knowledge.
"Mentors offer encouragement and support in the general management of business and encourage small business clients to access private and public sector enterprise development services, programs and specialist networks.
"The business mentor service complements the SBDC's more formal skills development programs of workshops, access to specialist business advisors and the opportunity to apply for business improvement programs.
"The mentor service is also accessible through the State's 37 Business Enterprise Centres.
"A key objective of the mentor service is to encourage the implementation of a goal-oriented business plan. There is no disputing that a well-considered business plan serves as a blueprint to the success of a business."
Mr Brown encouraged experienced small business operators to volunteer as mentors.
For more information about becoming a mentor, or to register your interest in being matched with a mentor, contact the Small Business Mentor Service on 9220-0222.
Minister's office: 9222 9699