In partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program will match small-business owners and sole traders with experienced professionals who will help them to adapt their businesses and strategies.
Mentors will provide mentees with guidance on reducing their business costs, managing cash flow, finding new customers and maximising the benefits of online sales and marketing.
Under the program, VCCI will be placing eligible business owners and sole traders with an appropriate mentor who will conduct up to four sessions over three months, producing a detailed action plan based on the specific needs of each business.
The program follows the Victorian government’s $26 million wellbeing initiative in collaboration with St John Ambulance to provide accredited mental health support training to chambers of commerce across Victoria.
Earlier this month, the Victorian government also announced a $60 million support into its mental health system in response to increasing pressures on businesses as a result of the second lockdown in the state.
“We’re providing practical support to Victorian businesses who are doing everything they can, every single day, to ride out these unprecedented challenges,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
“Cash in the bank allows people some breathing space where often there is none, while the value of mental health support, training opportunities and professional mentoring is real.”
In addition, the Victorian government revealed small businesses can take up free online short courses and payments of up to $20,000 to assist them towards the other side of the coronavirus crisis.
The Upskill My Business program helps businesses increase their capabilities and learn vital skills with webinars, articles and courses ranging from innovation to staff development.
Some 128 courses are offered in partnership with education leaders including Deakin University and RMIT University under the program.
Businesses can register for Upskill My Business program here, or sign up for the Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program on the Business Victoria website.
