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Starting a new business is fraught with difficulties which is one of the reasons Business Mentors NZ is now offering a programme specifically for start-ups.
The programme was launched last October in response to an increase in enquiries from people looking for advice before they launched themselves into the business world.
Business Mentors NZ chief exeuctive Ray Schofield says that the organisation’s focus since starting 24 years ago has always been on providing advice to existing small to medium-sized businesses.
The service works with an average of over 4300 clients every year, supported by nearly 2000 volunteer mentors and 18 agencies throughout NZ.
“The start-up programme was set-up simply because of the number of enquiries we were receiving,” he says. “It’s early days yet, but we have already had 120 clients sign up and the numbers are growing.”
The start-up programme is delivered over six months and is designed for people who have a new business idea or who are looking for help in starting a new business.
Mentors with experience in business start-ups offer guidance, act as a sounding board to test the thinking of their start-up client, and give the critical support they need in the development of a robust business plan.
Ray says start-ups require a different approach from a business that is already trading and the programme has been tailored with this in mind.
He says typically, clients are looking for help with their business plan so they can attract investment, need advice on their legal and compliance obligations, need confidence and focus, and want to put the right foundations in place.
“Mentoring can help new business people avoid obvious mistakes, as well as providing motivation and confidence.
“It’s an opportunity to get critical feedback in key areas such as communications, interpersonal relationships, technical abilities, change management and leadership skills.
“It can provide a sharper focus on what is needed to grow professionally and a friendly ear where you can share frustrations as well as successes.”
Although mentors offer their time for free, the programme has a registration fee of $300 plus GST to cover operational costs.
Info: businessmentors.org.nz or phone 0800 209 209.
