Chinese business community mentored to success

A State Government initiative that helps small business owners to boost their skills has partnered with the Institute of Bilingual Business Training to mentor Chinese-Australian small business owners, operators and managers.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Small Business Solutions initiative was believed to be a Queensland first, with over 40 Chinese clients already signed up.

“The Australian business environment can be difficult to navigate without the added obstacle of a language barrier,” Mr Welford said.

“This program matches clients with bi-lingual mentors to support them in their small business enterprises for three complimentary mentor sessions and helps them to better negotiate regulatory requirements in Australia.

“Support is tailored to the client and is designed to build on and consolidate the management issues and needs identified through business workshops.

“The key objective is to help small business owners and managers to develop skills they can apply to their particular needs, particularly those that help grow their business.”

The mentoring program follows a series of eight business skills workshops held throughout May which offered information, guidance and advice about operating a business in Queensland.

Mr Welford said participants appreciated the delivery format, which uses Chinese as the first language of instruction to help comprehension and communication of management issues.

“Queensland is the only state in Australia where small business owners can access business mentoring while gaining formal qualifications, or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), through the Small Business Solutions program,” he said.

“Small Business Solutions mentors are trusted business professionals who currently run their own successful businesses. Since the service started last year it has helped more than 500 Queensland small business operators to boost their skills, profitability and growth.”

For further information about Small Business Solutions contact the customer service centre on 1300 40 60 80 or visit www.smallbusinesssolutions.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000