Bass Coast businesses can now access free, one-on-one mentoring through a new partnership between Bass Coast Shire Council and NEX Business Farming Wellness, a Gippsland-based not-for-profit that helps regional businesses, farmers and communities to thrive.
The NEX’s Business Mentoring Service gives local business owners the opportunity to sit down with an experienced, independent mentor for a free 90-minute session tailored to their business.
Whether they are working through a challenge, looking for ways to grow or simply want a fresh perspective, businesses can use the session to talk through their ideas, explore their options and work out their next steps.
Mentoring can provide practical guidance across a range of business areas, including growth and development, financial management and cash flow, staffing, succession planning, improving business efficiency and navigating the day-to-day challenges of running a business.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said the service was another way Council can provide practical support to Bass Coast’s business community.
“Our local businesses play an important role in our communities and our local economy, and we want to make sure they can access practical support when they need it,” Cr Tessari said.
“Running a business can be rewarding, but it can also come with plenty of challenges. Sometimes having someone in your corner to talk things through with can provide a fresh perspective and help you see a clearer way forward.
“The great thing about this service is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Each session is tailored to the individual business and what they want to work on.
“That might be exploring an opportunity to grow, getting a better understanding of business finances, working through a staffing challenge, planning for the future or simply finding ways to work smarter.
“We’re really pleased to be partnering with NEX to make this support available free of charge to businesses across Bass Coast.”
NEX Executive Officer Kylie Holmes welcomed the partnership and the opportunity to support more local businesses through the program.
“NEX is proud to partner with Bass Coast Shire Council to deliver business mentoring to small businesses across Bass Coast. We know the contribution small businesses make goes well beyond their own doors. They employ local people, support other businesses and play an important role in the communities they operate in.
“Helping local businesses build their capability and confidence is at the heart of what NEX is about. Working alongside organisations like Bass Coast Shire Council means we can bring that support directly into our communities and help create the conditions for local businesses, and the communities around them, to thrive.”
A limited number of free mentoring appointments will be available each month, with daytime and early evening sessions available. Businesses can choose to meet with their mentor face-to-face or online.
To be eligible, businesses must be registered and currently operating within Bass Coast Shire.
Interested businesses can book a session online by completing a short registration form outlining their business and the areas they would like to discuss. This information will help their NEX mentor tailor the session to their individual needs.
Each participating business will receive a free 90-minute one-on-one mentoring session.
To learn more or book a free business mentoring session, visit https://www.nexsolutions.org.au/bass-coast-business-mentoring-service
