From the Show

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

http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/smallbusiness/Starting+in+Business/Women+in+Business/Women+in+Business+Mentor+Program/


Locations of the 2007 Programs will be available November, 2006.

To download the Women in Business Mentor Program brochure in PDF format click here.


The Women in Business Mentor Program is a business development initiative funded by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. The Department is the NSW Government's key economic development agency and offers a range of programs to support business growth.


Wiebke Benze, HydroCon Australasia Pty Ltd-Mentoree


The Program helps emerging women business owners (mentorees) grow their business by linking them with experienced business people (mentors). Using a combination of mentoring and practical sessions, the Program assists women improve their business skills and confidence, foster networking and successfully manage business growth.

2005 was the 10th anniversary of the Program which is based on a proven approach to co-operative learning between business people. Nearly 2,000 women have participated in the Mentor Program since its inception.

Success of the Women in Business Mentor Program

The Program has been a success since it was established. Results from 2005 show that by the end of the Program:

99 per cent of mentorees improved their business skills;
76 per cent of mentorees had better business networks;
57 per cent of mentorees increased turnover;
18 per cent of mentorees employed more staff.
Details of locations for the 2006 Programs can be found here. Information on regional programs can be found here and growth strategy workshops for women in business here.

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Structure of the Program

The Women in Business Mentor Program runs for 45 hours over six months, plus introductory briefing sessions. Its four components are: business skills workshops (18 hours); business forums (five hours); networking event (two hours); and one-on-one mentoring meetings (20 hours).
Christine Mancer, BildaVoid Concrete Voidforming Systems-Mentoree


Business skills workshops cover business development planning (two workshops); financial management (two workshops); marketing a business and strategic selling (one workshop each).

At the end of the Program participants will have developed a business plan appropriate to their business goals and objectives.

Business forums include a mini expo and a business panel discussion to provide additional opportunities for all participants to share information and explore specific aspects of running a business.

The networking events provide an opportunity to develop and expand business connections by networking with other participants.

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Program Participants

Mentorees
The Women in Business Mentor Program is designed for women small business owners/operators who draw the major part of their income from the business and are committed to growing their business and achieving commercial success.

Mentors
A mentor needs a minimum of five years recent experience as an owner/operator of a small business. The mentor must be willing to sign an agreement that rules out conflicts of interest or breaches of confidentiality. Strong communication skills are also needed. Women and men are accepted as mentors.

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Cost of the Program

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 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.

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Eligibility Criteria for Mentoree Subsidy

In order to be eligible for a subsidy, a mentoree must:

be the current owner or operator of a small business that has been in operation for between six months and two years;
be operating full-time in the business;
draw the majority of their income from their business as an owner/operator;
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.

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Christine Mancer - BildaVoid Concrete Voidforming Systems

Christine Mancer's business, BildaVoid Concrete Voidforming Systems, makes and distributes void forming products which are used in the building and construction industry.

As a result of taking part in the Women in Business Mentor Program, Christine met other women facing similar business issues.

"We all helped each other with ideas and solutions to the everyday problems that crop up when you operate a small business," she said. "Having a mentor to talk to 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.

Faye Maramara - Paro Paru Shells

Faye Maramara's business, Paro Paru Shells, imports shells and natural materials from the Philippines. Faye turns these materials into quality hand-made, one-off fashion accessories, ranging from wooden buttons to feature pieces, which she sells to Australian fashion designers.

Faye joined the Women in Business Mentor Program to learn new ways to operate her business. "Participating in the workshops was a very inspiring experience that gave me a lot of knowledge that I can use and practise in my business," she said. Faye found that her view of herself as a woman in business changed: "I now see myself as someone who runs a professional business and is serious about, and open to, the possibilities of growing the business," she said.

Perhaps the most significant change Faye noticed was a growth in self-confidence. "I now feel able to take on big clients and to handle larger orders. The Women in Business Mentor Program has also enabled me to have a vision - a five-year goal and beyond. I am excited about my journey," Faye said.

Helen Davis - Oh de Toilette

Helen Davis' company, Oh de Toilette, provides handtowels, toiletries, decoration and bathroom attendants to corporate and private events, as well as gift and toiletry packs for tour groups.

Helen particularly enjoyed sharing the experience of running a business, not only with her mentor but also with other workshop participants in the Women in Business Mentor Program. "It's really empowering to connect with so many strong and inspiring women who share the same issues and joys of owning your own business," she said.

Since completing the course, Helen has focused her efforts on growing the business in Sydney and Melbourne. She plans to expand to Brisbane and New Zealand and, ultimately, to establish a global franchise. She believes the Women in Business Mentor Program is invaluable in helping women acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in business.

"It's an excellent way of forcing you to work on your business. Having a mentor also encourages you to meet deadlines and keeps you on your toes," Helen said. "I commend the NSW Department of State and Regional Development for this initiative - I can't imagine what the landscape for female entrepreneurs would be like without it."



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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: 1300 134 359
Email: first@business.nsw.gov.au

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The 2006 mentor programs are now all under way. For information on the 2007 program, please contact Jo-Anne Miley on 9338 6750 or email jo-anne.miley@business.nsw.gov.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.