Program
How can the mentoring program help me?
The Business Skills Mentoring program can provide practical advice and guidance to help you set goals, build skills and navigate challenges that are relevant to your business needs.
The support from a mentor could assist you with:
- developing a business plan that maps how your business will grow
- addressing problems or issues that are barriers to business growth
- growing your confidence to investment and innovation
- learning key business skills and creating practices.
Who is delivering the program?
Business Victoria and Monarch Institute will deliver the program on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR).
Monarch Institute is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO No: 22530). Advised by peak industry heads, leading academics and authors. Monarch Institute is a trusted educational provider and an award-winning mentoring and training organisation.
Do I have to pay to join the program?
No. Eligible businesses owners participate for free.
What time commitment does this require?
Once you have successfully completed the pre-mentoring stage and been enrolled in the program, your 3 one-hour mentoring sessions will take place over a 3-month timeframe. For more information, see the program guidelines.
Do I need to participate in all 3 mentoring sessions?
Ideally you would participate in all 3 mentoring sessions to gain the most benefit from the program.
Eligibility criteria
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
- own a Victorian-registered small business
- have 20 or fewer employees
- have held an active ABN continuously since 1 December 2024
- be registered for GST
- operate in one of the 6 defined industry sectors.
What are the 6 defined industry sectors?
The 6 defined industry sectors are:
- advanced manufacturing and defence
- health technologies and medical research
- circular economy
- digital technologies
- agribusiness
- regional tourism.
I’m not sure my business is in one of the 6 defined industry sectors. What should I do?
If you have questions about your eligibility, you can contact the Business Victoria hotline number on
13 22 15 or email info@business.vic.gov.au.
Mentors
Can I choose my mentor?
Yes. Once you are enrolled in the program you will receive a scheduling link listing the mentors capable of supporting your sector.
Who are the mentors?
All business mentors in this program are qualified professionals with years of hands-on experience running small businesses. Your mentors have been selected based on your industry and areas of interest to ensure that the advice provided is practical and specific to your business needs.
What if I don’t like my mentor?
You will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the program. Adjustments may be made to ensure each person fully benefits from the mentoring. You are also able to change mentors after each session.
Mentoring sessions
What kind of advice can I receive from my mentor?
The mentoring sessions are a confidential space for you to discuss your business goals and plans.
The business mentors will advise on a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, marketing, communication, finance, strategic planning, digitalisation and change management.
The advice can help you to build capacity, navigate challenges and achieve measurable success.
Mentors will provide advice based on the information you provide, so it is recommended that you engage with your mentor as openly as possible.
Can my mentor provide legal advice?
No, your mentor cannot provide legal advice.
Will my mentor provide business documents or written advice?
The mentor will share discussion notes with you after each session and identify any agreed actions to take before the next session.
Will my mentoring session be recorded?
All mentoring sessions are strictly confidential. They will not be audio or video recorded.
How will the mentoring sessions be delivered?
The mentoring sessions will be conducted online via video conference. The session will take place during business hours, unless otherwise requested.
Expression of interest and enrolment process
How do I submit an expression of interest?
To participate in the program, you must submit an online expression of interest. A link to the expression of interest is available on the Business Victoria website.
Once you have completed all mandatory fields and submitted the form, you will receive a confirmation email stating that your expression of interest has been received.
When do the expressions of interest close?
Expressions of interest will open on Thursday 6 November 2025 and will close no later than 5pm on Friday 27 March 2026.
Mentoring places are limited and enrolment is subject to availability. Expressions of interest may close before 5pm on Friday 27 March 2026 if all places are filled.
How are expressions of interest assessed?
Expressions of interest will be assessed against the eligibility criteria as outlined in the program guidelines.
What happens after I submit my expression of interest?
An eligibility check will be made to ensure you are eligible for the program.
After your expression of interest is received and you are deemed eligible, you will receive an email with details on how to complete the next stage, the pre-mentoring interview. If you are deemed eligible, you will receive an email with your mentoring scheduling link.
If you are deemed ineligible, you will be notified by email. We will provide information about other programs that may support you.
When will I hear if my expression of interest has been successful?
You will be advised of the outcome of your expression of interest within 10 business days after your completed submission is received.
If you are deemed eligible, you will receive an email with details on how to complete the next stage, which is the pre-mentoring stage.
What is the pre-mentoring stage?
After you have submitted your expression of interest, you must complete the pre-mentoring stage to be enrolled in the program.
The pre-mentoring stage will help you to:
- confirm your eligibility based on your sector and company function
- consider what you hope to achieve through the mentoring program
- better understand the current state of your business.
We may ask you to provide business plans or internal documents (including financials). This will help the mentor review the business and prepare for the first session, ensuring the session is as productive as possible.
We will support you to complete the pre-mentoring stage. You must complete this stage before we can enrol you in the program.
When you complete the pre-mentoring stage, you will receive confirmation if you are eligible and be enrolled in the mentoring program.
I received confirmation of my enrolment. What’s next?
Once you have completed the pre-mentoring stage and have received confirmation of your enrolment, you will be contacted within 5 business days to book your first mentoring session.
Additional support
I need help with my expression of interest. What should I do?
If you have any questions or need help with your expression of interest, contact us via email: businessmentoring@monarch.edu.au or via phone or SMS: +61 3 7056 6309
I need an interpreter. What should I do?
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) can provide support for callers who have limited English.
- Call 131 450
- Provide the interpreter with our phone number 13 22 15.
Alternatively, you can contact the Business Victoria hotline directly and ask for a translator.
I have accessibility needs. What should I do?
For general accessibility enquiries, please call the Business Victoria hotline number on 13 22 15 or email info@business.vic.gov.au.