Business mentoring program
Willoughby City Council is proud to offer subsidised business mentoring to help local businesses thrive. Connect with experienced mentors who understand your challenges and can provide strategic guidance tailored to your specific needs.
These programs are proudly supported by Willoughby City Council in partnership with Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS).
Find your program
Do you operate a business in the creative, health, or technology sectors?
- Yes: You may qualify for fully funded mentoring sessions
- No: You can still access our heavily subsidised mentoring program
All participants must be Willoughby City businesses, residents, or ratepayers
Priority sector program - Fully funded mentoring
Who qualifies:
- Businesses in creative, health, or technology sectors
- Located in or operated by residents of Willoughby Local Government area
What you receive:
- Two 60-90 minute mentoring sessions
- No cost (fully subsidised - valued at $145 per session)
- Personalized guidance from experienced business mentors
Apply Now
Remember: Each business is limited to two subsidised sessions through either program. After these sessions, you can continue working with your mentor at standard rates.
Standard business program - $45 mentoring sessions
Who qualifies:
- Any business, resident, or ratepayer in Willoughby Local Government area
What you receive:
- Two 60-90 minute mentoring sessions
- Just $45 per session (saving $100 off regular price)
- Personalised guidance from experienced business mentors
Apply Now
Remember: Each business is limited to two subsidised sessions through either program.
If your business operates primarily in the creative, health, or technology sectors and you're based in Willoughby Local Government Area, you qualify for the fully funded program. All other Willoughby businesses, residents, and ratepayers qualify for the $45 subsidised sessions.
Creative industries include design, performing, media, arts, publishing, and advertising. Health covers healthcare providers, wellness services, and health product companies. Technology includes software development, IT services, digital products, and similar businesses.
Each business is limited to two subsidised sessions through either program.
Your mentor will provide a pre-session questionnaire to help focus the discussion. Generally, having clear goals for the session and being prepared to discuss your business challenges openly will help maximize the value.
After completing your subsidised sessions, you can continue working with your mentor at standard rates if you wish.
These programs are proudly supported by Willoughby City Council in partnership with Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS).
Meet your mentors
SBMS’ mentors bring decades of business experience across various industries. They're selected for their practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to helping small businesses succeed.
View All Mentors
Success stories
Profitability is improving following marketing advice and the need for persistence advocated by Brenda. Ideas suggested by Brenda are being implemented resulting in a more structured approach to marketing”. Jack Ward - Williamstown
The main focus of our discussions was company structure, both for now and the future. In general though Amos has been an excellent help and I hope he can continue to be a Mentor for me. I have booked four further sessions”. Seamus O’Riordan – Melbourne
I felt that the service was of an excellent standard. It was invaluable for me to have someone with prior business experience to give advice. It helped me to make major decisions - both personal and business. The cost of the service and the fact that I can use it again is very helpful”. Thomas Parker - Carlton