Small business mentors thanked for their contribution

Small Business Minister Kate Jones today thanked a gathering of business mentors for their voluntary contribution to support Queensland’s small businesses.

Ms Jones said 800 volunteer private sector business mentors had shared advice through the Mentoring for Growth program over the last 12 years.

“After completing the program, businesses have reported an increase in turnover and profitability and increases in employment of around 10 to 15 percent,” she said.

“In the last 12 months, more than 150 Queensland businesses have benefited from the program. 

“This free program offers participants general business mentoring as well as specialised support for businesses seeking investment capital and export opportunities. 

“I want to thank our business mentors for volunteering their time to support other small business people because it’s always good to hear practical advice from people who have done it all before.

“Going forward, the program will include a specialist theme to assist tourism-related businesses to grow and become stronger.” 

Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to growing Queensland’s 403,000 small businesses.

“We’re delivering $40 million over four years for a Business Development Fund to kick-start innovative businesses and help make their ideas a commercial reality,” she said. 

“And we’re setting up a $2 million Queensland Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow program to create an entrepreneurial culture for wealth generating industries of the future

“It will help ensure our young people not only have the skills for the jobs of tomorrow but are actively engaged in creating those jobs.” 

Mentoring for Growth is a program of the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games (DTESB). 

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530