Media Release
Australian Businesswomen’s Network Wins Government Grant to Develop National Mentoring Program for Young Businesswomen
The Australian Businesswomen’s Network (ABN) has won a grant from the Federal Government to deliver a national mentoring program for young women in business.
Last week the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey, announced under the Australian Government’s Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business (BESB) program that the organisation’s application to create the innovative MentorNet program was successful.
The MentorNet program is the first national mentoring program ever launched and certainly the first to use today’s web and digital technology to deliver education and mentoring. The program uses a combination of online classrooms, blogs, podcasts, a web-community and virtual meetings to provide structured skills training and mentoring to businesswomen.
“There has never been a better time to create a program like MentorNet,” says Suzi Dafnis, National General Manager of the ABN.
“Today’s technologies allow us to tap into the richness of this country’s business thinking and education and deliver that direct to aspiring businesswomen in all parts of the country to help them grow their businesses. A successful businesswoman in Melbourne can mentor a woman in Taree. Today’s technologies mean that time and distance are no longer barriers. ” she says.
Minister Fran Bailey said the BESB program was aimed fairly and squarely at developing entrepreneurial skills in young small-business operators. “Less than 10% of small business operators are under 30 years. Through this program, we will provide business skills and training for these young entrepreneurs to help their business thrive and flourish,” Bailey said.
“This initiative sends a strong message to young Australians that starting a business is a great career option. It will provide practical support when it’s needed and help cultivate a future generation of young entrepreneurs,” Bailey said.
“Mentoring is the key to business-success; it is a short cut for those new in business as well as a way for more experienced business owners to share advice and business wisdom. The MentorNet program offers something totally new in mentoring, using the latest online community and learning methodologies,” says Suzi Dafnis.
The Australian Businesswomen’s Network was established in 1989, and today provides business support and information to more than 10,000 businesswomen in Australia each year. Committees of over 40 volunteers (women in small business) run the organisation and its initiatives.
For further information on the MentorNet program or to register your interest in being a MENTOR or MENTOREE, send an email to mentoring@abn.org.au, call 1300 720 120 or read more online. Applications are now being accepted.
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