FAQs

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for this program you need to be either a resident of the participating council areas or your business needs to be located in one of the council areas.

Businesses are eligible for one free, hour long appointment with each advisor.

How do I book an advisory session?

ppointments can be booked through this Southern Business Mentoring Program website, by choosing your selected mentor and booking through their calendar. This website services the three councils. All you need to do is select the mentors you wish to meet with, select your preferred date and time and complete the online booking form. Businesses and residents of the three councils may access these services free of charge. Make your booking today – https://southernbusinessmentoring.com.au/book-a-mentor/

What kind of specialist advice can I expect to get from this service?

The service covers the following disciplines:

  • General Business
  • Digital Marketing
  • HR/WHS
  • Retail
  • Grants, Tenders and Procurement
  • Tourism
  • Cyber Security
  • Operational Excellence
  • Business Wellbeing
Who can I book an appointment with? / How many appointments do I receive?

All eligible businesses are entitled to one hour of support with each advisor through the Southern Business Mentoring Program. Businesses and residents of the three councils may access these services free of charge. If you are unsure who you have already had an appointment with, please email sbmp@marion.sa.gov.au or call 0499 719 438 for an eligibility check.

How much will this service cost me/my business?

This service is subsidised by the Cities of Holdfast Bay, Marion and Onkaparinga. Businesses and residents of the three councils may access these services free of charge. Additional services are available at a cost of $25/session through the Extension Program. A maximum of three extension services in total are available (not per advisor). 

The program is not available to businesses and residents outside of these council areas.

How long can I expect one advisory session to go for?

60 Minutes

In order to maximise your appointment, upon booking, you will be asked to complete pre-service questions. The information you provide will inform the mentor of your requirements prior to the session so that you are able to get the most of your time.

Where will I meet with the advisor for our session?

Appointments are currently being delivered online and in-person. Once you have completed your booking, your mentor will get in contact with you to confirm the date and time and will confirm Zoom/location.

If you would prefer one over the other, please ensure that you advise your mentor who may be able to reschedule to accommodate your preference.

Is there an extension program?
Businesses in the Council areas that have already had one free session with an advisor can have a subsidised appointment following their initial free appointment. The cost is $25 per follow up appointment. Up to 3 follow up appointments are allowed under the extension program.

The Southern Business Mentoring Program Extension Service is an initiative of the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.