Call for more business mentors to help nurture local start-ups

STARTUP Direct is calling for new business mentors to support entrepreneurs in the West Midlands region following a strong first quarter of the year, which saw the creation of 50 new businesses, receiving around £350,000 in seed finance.
 
The partner of the Government’s Start-Up Loans scheme, which pledges to match every start up business with a mentor, is calling for local business people to put their own skills and experience to good use by signing up.

Mentors are asked to give 15 hours of their time over the course of the entrepreneur’s first year of operation, offering general guidance and support over the phone or face to face, as well as acting as a sounding board when needed.
 
Startup Direct argues that volunteer mentors are a vital part of the support provided to entrepreneurs as they set out on their journey.

The mentors themselves receive formal mentor training and the opportunity to hone their own skills, expand their networks and gain valuable experience, which can often lead to non-executive director roles.
 
James Pattison, CEO of Startup Direct, said: “The Birmingham start-up scene is thriving and we’re working with interesting entrepreneurs in wide spectrum of sectors, all in need of a mentor to help guide them through their first year.

“Mentors aren’t expected to have all the answers, but instead can put their own knowledge, experience and passion for business to good use by offering advice when they can. It can be incredibly rewarding to see a start-up business succeed when you have helped them on their journey.”
 
Based at the Innovation Birmingham Campus, Startup Direct is a partner of the Government’s Startup Loans scheme, offering loans of up to £25,000 at low interest rates over one to five years.