Rural Business Network Launches Free Mentoring Initiative

Rural Business Network Launches Free Mentoring Initiative

The Rural Business Network (RBN) in partnership with Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) has launched a new initiative to increase mentoring support to rural businesses throughout New Zealand, which are facing increasing levels of stress from falling dairy prices, tighter regulations on health and safety, and environmental controls.

The new Rural Mentor initiative sees the BMNZ registration fee waived for selected NZYF and Rural Business Network members for a limited period.

Daile Jones, Rural Business Network Coordinator says: `Farmers in the sheep, beef or dairy sector operating their own business or farm managers that want a fresh perspective, will be matched with a business professional who can offer confidential advice, assistance and support that will help overcome business challenges, set new goals and achieve success. There’s no lack of knowledge out there, just a shortage of knowing what information is available.’

Ray Schofield CEO of Business Mentors New Zealand says: `The purpose of this initiative is to assist rural businesses and remove any real or perceived barriers to business owners accessing support from BMNZ. Business mentors are experienced, successful business people who come from a wide range of industry backgrounds, from farm gate and beyond, who understand New Zealand business. They are passionate, committed individuals who want to see their communities and New Zealand grow and prosper. Our locally based coordinators are highly skilled in matching the right mentor to fit individual needs.

`A business mentor is unique one-to-one, confidential and highly experienced in the trials and tribulations of running a small to medium sized enterprise. One of the big things is the isolation which rural businesses are often faced. A business mentor takes that away and provides a sounding board to take the company to the next level.’

Business Mentors New Zealand is the country’s only national volunteer business mentoring service. The not for profit organisation helps around 250 businesses find a mentor every month and has assisted more than 70,000 small to medium-size enterprise owners in New Zealand since 1991. Business Mentors provides access to almost 2,000 volunteer mentors (who give their experience, skill and knowledge free of charge). The registration fee covers administration and matching.

To apply, simply contact Rural Business Network on 021 919 801 or email daile.jones@ruralbusinessnetwork.co.nz

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