A Refreshing Approach to Mentoring
Are you a small business aiming to make big things happen?
What motivated you to own or operate a small business? Are you pursuing a passion, building a legacy, or simply seeking financial independence, flexibility and a better work-life balance?
Whatever your reason, small businesses make up over 97% of all Australian enterprises and many are aiming for a mix of all these goals. Are you a business owner who wants a thriving, sustainable business that supports your lifestyle and long-term goals? You may find yourself asking ‘where do I start?’ Running a business is hard — especially when you’re juggling leadership, staff, strategy, and day-to-day operations. Many owners end up doing it all themselves, leaving them overwhelmed, stuck, and unsure how to scale. Knowing the next step is not always easy when you are deep in the day-to-day of running your business.
That is where the NEX Business Mentoring Support Program can help. NEX offers thoughtful, tailored guidance that meets businesses where they are and supports them to move forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.
With the first session funded by South Gippsland Shire Council and delivered in partnership with NEX Business Farming Wellness, the program combines local insight with specialist business expertise to support small businesses across the region. NEX offers mentoring that is practical, values-driven and grounded in the realities of the local business landscape.
Building clarity and alignment with Grow Skate Society
Local skateboard coach and co-founder of Grow Skate Society, Alan Woodward, recently took part in the program and shared his experience working with the NEX mentoring team.
For Grow Skate Society, the mentoring created space to step back and look beyond the immediate operational needs of the business. One of the standout benefits was gaining clarity around the finer details required to build a truly sustainable operation, including aspects that had not been considered before the mentoring sessions.
The mentoring helped the business owner examine the bigger picture, particularly how Grow Skate Society’s values align with the core values of local shire councils. This alignment is especially important for a skateboarding business that works closely with the community, delivering programs that support youth engagement, wellbeing and social connection.
“The NEX mentoring team have been friendly and genuine. From the first point of contact our mentor Michael, was keen to learn more about what we needed for our business and what our business meant to us. He sent a series of questions to establish which consultant would be the best fit for us. When we met with Michael in person, he was well prepared with ideas and visuals, but also very flexible in his approach, allowing the conversation to flow where it needed.”
Narrowing focus and avoiding overwhelm with Forestry Mulching
Through the mentoring sessions, John Ogden from Forestry Mulching was able to slow things down, talk through his business in detail and refocus on what was most important. John came to the program looking for clarity and direction and learned rather than trying to do everything at once, to identify what truly mattered and where he could avoid over-investing time and resources.
The experience provided not just advice, but practical, usable guidance that could be implemented immediately, along with reassurance that he was heading in the right direction.
“Our NEX mentor shared a lot of insight and obviously thought about our sessions, the conversation and what would be best for me. It was such a good use of my time, it pointed my in the right direction and helped me to not over-invest in stuff that doesn't really matter.”
Mentoring is not about being told what to do. It is about being supported to make better decisions, with someone who takes the time to understand your business, your challenges and your goals.
Do you want to spend more time working on your business, not just in it, while improving your work-life balance? What if all it took was a conversation with someone local who understands the challenges small businesses face?
You may have a specific issue you want to talk through, or longer-term goals you are planning toward. In a time when strong financial management, strategic thinking and efficient use of resources are critical, having an experienced, independent mentor can help you step back, gain fresh perspective and move forward with confidence.
If you are feeling nervous about signing up for a mentoring session, you are not alone. Previous participants offer simple and honest advice.
“Jump in open minded and eager to learn, NEX has a wealth of knowledge to share. We look forward to working with NEX further to ensure our business continues to grow.”
Alan Woodward, Grow Skate Society
“Don't feel nervous - take advantage of the service being offered. Coming out of this experience, I'm feeling supported and I have usable content that will help me build my business.”
John Ogen, Spittin’ Chips, Forestry Mulcing
What have you got to lose? Take the next step
The NEX Business Mentoring Support Program is supported by South Gippsland Shire Council, allowing eligible local residents and businesses to access high-quality mentoring at no cost. While the first session is free, the real value lies in the experience, local understanding and tailored guidance offered through each session.
If you are not eligible for the funded program, or if you decide that one session is just the beginning, continued coaching and mentoring support is also available directly through NEX. This allows business owners to build on the momentum created through the program and access longer-term support aligned to their goals.
Are you and your business ready for the next step? Get in touch today to schedule your mentoring session.
