The Victorian Government has established the Business Recovery & Resilience Mentoring Program, with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the auspicing body.
Under the program, targeted advice and guidance is available to help small businesses navigate the economic challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 market changes. Through a panel of experienced Business Mentors, businesses can get help in the specific areas of business planning, strategy development and deployment, market transformation and supply chain diversification.
Importantly, having been in lockdown for some months, this business recovery program is funded by the Victorian government and is available at no cost to the participating business.
BizAdviser, an association of consulting professionals, is an approved Business Mentor provider under the program. BizAdviser Principal Mal Clark said: “With around 90 years combined executive management experience in private industry and over 30 years collective experience supporting SMEs, our BizAdviser mentors have helped many businesses to grow and prosper across a broad spectrum of industries”.
The program’s aim is to mitigate business risks and financial exposure. Where possible it will connect to other government support and local professional services. Through the program, eligible business owners can receive up to four two-hour mentoring sessions over a three-month period with an experienced professional from BizAdviser, who will help them make informed decisions about the future of their business.
The program offers tailored guidance to help businesses in several areas:
- Business recovery. To strengthen business recovery (cost reduction, debt and cashflow management).
- Market transformation. To understand how COVID-1) has triggered or accelerated market changes.
- Digital literacy and engagement. To help businesses reach new customers and markets.
- Market and supply chain diversification. To reduce exposure to supply chain risks.
- Reskilling and retraining. To help businesses upskill their existing workforce.
Eligibility for the program has been kept as broad as possible; businesses must be located in Victoria and have fewer than 20 full-time employees or turnover under $50m. BizAdviser can advise on your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
BizAdviser is a new association of business consulting professionals providing tailored advice helping SMEs to become a cut above the rest. Adviser Rob Murphy has a background of demonstrated management consulting expertise, assisting over 150 firms through Enterprise Connect and the Entrepreneurs’ Programmes. Adviser Phil Bourke has an enviable record in international trade and export development.
“Major disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic present incredible challenges but also offer unique opportunities for businesses to recover, reposition and redesign their competitive advantage,” said Murphy. “Business leaders can navigate short-term uncertainty while accelerating needed transformation so the ultimate impact of COVID-19 will be defined by its role in driving constructive change.”
Bourke added: “Whether in times of crisis or relative stability, leading with a vision and articulating a strategic path forward is crucial for long-term business success. While you can’t predict what’s coming with perfect certainty, now is a great time to consider what you could and should become, think about new customers or new markets, create a plan and then set it into motion.”
Further information is available via the Victorian Government or the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Businesses are advised to contact BizAdviser for guidance through the application process.