Free Mentoring for Growth sessions for Queensland small businesses
Running a small business can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging when you are trying to make important decisions on your own. The Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth (M4G) program gives eligible Queensland businesses the opportunity to access experienced business mentors for a free, confidential session.
As a Mentoring for Growth mentor, I have seen first-hand how an independent perspective can help a business owner step back, clarify the real issue and identify practical options for moving forward.
What is Mentoring for Growth?
Mentoring for Growth is a Queensland Government program designed to help small and family businesses work through a specific business challenge or opportunity. The program matches your needs with the experience of a suitable mentor or panel of mentors from across Queensland.
The program has grown into a Queensland-wide network of more than 300 registered mentors. These mentors are business, industry and export specialists who volunteer their time, knowledge and experience to support Queensland businesses.
That volunteer contribution is important. Mentors are not there to sell their services or provide professional advice. They are there to listen, ask useful questions, share practical insights and help business owners consider their next steps.
Who can register for a session?
Your business may be eligible if it:
- has an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- has Queensland headquarters or significant Queensland operations
- has commenced business operations
- has a specific business opportunity or challenge to discuss.
Businesses can seek support with topics such as cash flow, growth strategy, marketing and sales, business development, finance, workforce planning, cybersecurity, export and investment.
What happens in a mentoring session?
When you register, provide as much detail as possible about your business and the issue you would like to discuss. The M4G team uses this information to identify the best available mentor or mentors and to help them prepare for the conversation.
Depending on your business and its needs, sessions may include:
- a 45-minute start-up session with one mentor
- a 60-minute mentor chat with two mentors
- a 90-minute mentor panel with three or four mentors.
Sessions are currently delivered predominantly online and are available to businesses across Queensland. An M4G team member facilitates the session and provides a summary afterwards, including relevant information and contact details for the mentors.
Why take the opportunity?
You do not need to wait until a problem becomes urgent. A mentoring session can be useful when you are considering growth, reviewing your marketing, planning for staff, exploring a new opportunity or simply looking for a fresh perspective.
Good mentoring is not about being given a one-size-fits-all answer. It is about having a confidential conversation with experienced people who can challenge your assumptions, help you see options and focus on practical next steps.
Register your interest
If you are a Queensland small or family business owner with a challenge or opportunity to discuss, I encourage you to register your interest in a Mentoring for Growth session.
Register for a free Mentoring for Growth session on the Business Queensland website.
Bookings are essential. Eligibility, session availability and program details are managed by the Queensland Government, so please check the official website for the latest information.
Find Net Solutions is proud to support the Mentoring for Growth program. This article is provided to help spread the word about a Queensland Government initiative and is not a substitute for legal, financial or other professional advice.
