Justin Tomlinson MP at the FSB mentoring event last year
Justin Tomlinson MP has today welcomed the news that the Government has achieved its target of 15,000 business mentors. This includes 165 for Swindon and Wiltshire already in place to provide invaluable advice to local businesses, be they big or small, well established or just starting out.
The volunteer mentors have been recruited and trained as part of the £1.9 million government-funded Get Mentoring project. This has been delivered by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative. The mentors are there to help businesses, pointing them in the right direction if they need it or advising them on the best action to take. This could be helping a start up business or advising an existing business how to break into foreign markets or expand.
Justin commented:
"This is great news for small businesses, entrepreneurs and everyone thinking about setting up on their own here in Swindon. Mentors offer businesses and entrepreneurs the support they can need to take the next step – helping them to start up, grow and create jobs. I meet regularly with local businesses, and recently spoke at a mentoring event organised by the local FSB, so I know what a difference these mentors are making on the ground."
Michael Fallon, Business Minister, commented:
"Small businesses are vital to our economy and we are determined to help them get on and succeed. We have invested in mentoring because we know that good mentors can provide the practical advice and support that an entrepreneur needs to take their business idea to the next level. They have been there and done it and can pass that experience on. I want to encourage people to come forward and take advantage of the mentoring network."
