Helping small business owners throughout the country

 Ever have that feeling of not being totally in control of where your business is going? Well Business in the Community may be able to help you.

  Business in the Community provides its free Business Mentor Programme to any business operating for more than 6 months and with less than 25 employees.

  Business In The Community was set up in New Zealand in 1991. It has been built up with the assistance of numerous leaders of the business in New Zealand, most notably Sir James Fletcher. These people have all recognised the original philosophy of the international Business in the Community organisation in valuing the contribution that small businesses play in the stability of the overall economy of a country.

  A business in need can register for client with ease through a number of different channels. Most commonly these days clients register through the four step process on the Business in the Community website - www.businessmentor.org.nz

  Once a client has registered, their request is screened by a mentor co-ordinator in their local agency. The mentor co-ordinator assesses the client's requirements and then match the client with the most suitable mentor available based on the expertise the client requires and the industry they are in.

  Mentors volunteer their time and are independent business people who can give impartial advice on the challenges and opportunities a business faces. The duration of the mentoring relationship depends on the requirements of the client and the on-going availability of the mentor. It can be a one off meeting or a continuing relationship.

  Being a business mentor is a hugely rewarding experience. Apart from giving something back to the small business environment, there are educational and networking benefits as well.

  For more information about the Business in the Community Business Mentor Programme please visit the website www.businessmentor.org.nz