Mentor program launched

Tuesday, 2 May, 2000 - 22:00
THE MENTOR Partner Program has been launched by South Central Metropolitan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Mentoring is a relationship in which a person with greater experience and expertise guides another in personal and professional development

The program is funded by the Department of Workplace Relations and Small Business and aims to stimulate business growth and increase employment in the local region.

It has a particular emphasis on supporting women and youth in business.

SCMCCI facilitates the program by matching partner clients to suitable volunteer mentors.

The program’s co-creator and executive director of the Local Chambers Charles Bellow said local business operators, including non-SCMCCI members, were invited to become involved.

“Co-creator Lyn Freeman and I believe that everyone in business should have at least one experienced mentor to guide their entrepreneurial development,” Mr Bellow said.

The program is free and volunteer mentors must be over eighteen.

Metropolitan-based participants should aim to meet at least once a month for a period of six months and rural people can participate via the Internet.