Chamber hunts for entrepreneur mentors
EXPERIENCED businessmen and women are being sought by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to help with a new mentoring programme.
The chamber is recruiting entrepreneurs willing to pass on the secrets of their success to unemployed people looking to start up their own businesses. The programme is being run by chamber’s Business Venture scheme.
The volunteer mentors will support those on the Government-funded New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) programme, which, is managed locally by Business Venture.
Anabela Ferreira, manager of Business Venture, said: “Some people might only be able to offer one hour’s mentoring a month – but even that could provide worthwhile advice and expertise to those seeking to establish their own business.”
To date, Business Venture has approved more than 40 business plans since the start of the new NEA programme – and from now on anticipates approving an additional 20 every month.
Those taking part in the programme receive mentoring over an eight-week pre-start period and once they come off Job-Seekers Allowance they receive a further 26 weeks of support, aided by help provided by volunteer mentors.
“Entrepreneurs starting up their business of NEA need mentoring support at a critical time during the early stages of their businesses. We are looking for volunteer mentors who will help across a whole range of sectors,” added Ms Ferreira.
“In particular, however, we would like to ‘recruit’ those experienced in marketing. It doesn’t matter what business enterprises are planned – they will all require marketing expertise if they are to establish and maintain a successful future.
“The mentor can also gain from the experience – many of them believe it can even be as rewarding as getting their own business going.”
Business Venture, which has helped almost 200 people into employment during the past year, celebrates its 30th anniversary next year.
Potential mentors are asked to contact Business Venture on 0121 450 4235 or email: venture@birmingham-chamber.com
