Mentors are crucial to the success of our projects. Setting up a business is demanding at the best of times but for someone newly released from prison, there can be unique challenges to face. We are looking for empathetic people with something to offer our new business start-ups. A business background is not a prerequisite – we are lucky to have a panel of volunteers that we can call on for expertise in many business areas such as patent lawyers or computer experts when a little extra specialist help is required.
Our mentors come with wide and varied knowledge and experience. Some are retired and want to give the benefit of years of experience to our businesses. Others are employed but want to develop their community and business skills. We need people with diverse talents and backgrounds. We can always put your strengths to use, no matter how unusual you may think they are.
The business projects that Startup supports are wide and varied but typical examples include garden design, painting and decorating, general maintenance, web design and computer services, hairdressing, beauty therapy and personal fitness training.
Commitment
Our mentors initially volunteer for three or four hours a month when a business is getting off the ground. Once the business is up and running, a meeting once a month, backed up with email or phone contact is usually enough to provide the required support. Whatever time you have to offer we guarantee that your experience, whatever it is, will be put to good use.
The role of the business mentor
As a mentor, what are you required to do?
We see the role as mainly one of encouragement, motivation and support. You will of course be given training by Startup so you are fully prepared to help your particular client. Our main goal is to ensure the business survives so your role will involve monitoring the business and providing feedback to Startup.
The first months of trading can be difficult so we like our mentors to be readily available to provide support and advice to their client. You will help set business and personal targets, and develop a plan to review these periodically. With Startup’s support you will help identify any additional help required to keep the business on target. We will provide you with uncomplicated forms to fill in periodically to simplify this task. With your help, any potential problems will be nipped in the bud.
What makes a good mentor?
We look for good listening skills and people who can build confidence in others, coaching them to reach their full potential. Relevant business experience is a great bonus, but a supportive, non-judgmental approach is something we value much more highly.
You will need to help your client to provide us with regular written progress reports as well as alert Startup to any potential problems that might adversely affect the business.
Want to find out more?
If you are interested in learning more about our mentoring scheme or would like to volunteer, please write to Mari Simpson with brief details about yourself, the town or geographical area you would like to work in, how much time per month you would be willing to volunteer and any particular business projects that interest you. Alternatively you can call Mari on 01720 268 300.
