SFA and Skillnet Ireland Launch next phase of MentorsWork

May 24, 2022

We are delighted to announce that, yesterday morning, together with Simon Harris TD, Minister of Further and Higher Education, and Bobby Kerr, businessman and broadcaster, we launched the next phase of MentorsWork our award-winning business support programme.

To date, MentorsWork has helped more than 1,000 businesses all around Ireland in challenging times. The next round of 1,000 programme places is now open to small business owners and leadership teams across all industries. Managed by the SFA and funded by Skillnet Ireland, the 12-week business support programme offers one-to-one mentoring from an independent professional mentor, well as masterclasses and peer-to-peer workshops. It includes an online diagnostic tool to provide insights and help business owners and managers identify key skills and development needs.

 

New Features

A new aspect of the 2022 programme is that businesses with less than 5 employees can now apply to be part of the mentoring support scheme, and gain access to experienced mentors who can support them affect real change and growth.

As not all businesses have the same growth trajectory, we now also have a more intensive programme for faster growing businesses. A new green economy stream supporting owners and managers working in low carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive businesses has been introduced too, to ensure Irish businesses have access to the supports they need to build sustainable operating models and develop the talent to respond to this shift.

Also, the 2022 programme will offer consultancy services to businesses that have gone through MentorsWork previously, in either 2020 or 2021, and now require further support with a business development plan.

The first ever ‘in-person’ MentorsWork conference is planned for Thursday, 23 June, in Dublin. It will have practical advice on this year’s programme, including the new Green Economy strand, as well as reports on small business finance, growth skills and digital skills.

To secure your seat on the programme simply go to www.mentorswork.ie and register your interest.