A new structured mentoring initiative where the expertise of leading business figures in Galway will be shared with small businesses was launched last Friday in Ballybane Enterprise Centre. Over 40 senior figures from the city’s business and commercial sector gathered for a briefing breakfast to launch SCCUL Mentors- a mentoring programme which will provide pro bono (free ) access to business expertise and wisdom. The mentoring programme will be coordinated by SCCUL Enterprises and advice will provided in the key areas of Business planning, Finance, Sales, IT, Marketing & PR, Training and Development , HR Quality, and Research & Development
Launching the mentoring programme Chairman of SCCUL Enterprises Jim Naughton said that feedback from the SCCCUL Entrepreneur of the Year Awards had provided the stimulus for the initiative.
“The idea for SCCUL Mentors emerged from feedback received from participants in the SCCUL Entrepreneur Competition who derived significant benefits from talking with the competition judging panel. We are delighted to be able to offer an opportunity for small companies to avail of invaluable, guidance, insight and advice to take their business to the next level.”
Mr Naughton commended the mentors for their support and willingness to help small businesses in Galway achieve their potential.
“SCCUL Mentors will be harnessing over 1000 years of collective business experience from leading business figures and industry experts. We thank our mentors for giving of your time voluntarily and for their support and commitment to this new initiative.”
At Friday’s launch, SCCUL Enterprises invited small companies to participate in the mentoring programme. Registration is through the SCCUL Mentors website www.scculmentors.ie and those who register for the free service will be matched with an appropriate industry experienced mentor.
Speaking at the event today Liam Bluett, General Manager SCCUL Enterprises commented, "this initiative which is open to long standing SME’s as well as start-ups and new business will help nurture and further develop local businesses in Galway. At times it can be a lonely and isolated road for owners of SME’s and this is a chance for SME owners to get access to different perspectives. Small businesses in Galway are important contributors to the recovery and future prosperity of the Irish economy. Their survival and growth not only brings investment returns for individual businesses, it also underpins the wider local community and the image of Galway as a provider of high quality, innovative and sustainable business excellence."
SCCUL Enterprises has supported local enterprises through the establishment of the SCCUL Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Inaugurated in 2010, the SCCUL Entrepreneur Awards have rewarded local entrepreneurs with cash prizes totaling over €50,000. In 2011 twenty one local businesses in Galway received cash prizes ranging from €500 to €10,000.
”As a community based company set up in conjunction with St. Columba’s Credit Union, supporting a dynamic and growth-oriented small business sector remains central to SCCUL Enterprises. We are delighted today to launch this new programme which is open to all types of businesses and will complement the existing supports from the Government agencies,” concluded Liam Bluett.
For further details on the programme check out www.scculmentors.ie
