Free Mentoring for Western Downs Small Businesses
Building Business Resilience Program - Small Business Mentoring Program
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Following the success of the first round of mentoring and business support, further places are available for 20 businesses in the Western Downs to receive one-on-one and group business support and mentoring with an expert advisor to work with you on your business.
100% of program participants found the program ‘Excellent’ in their feedback!
Receive support on topics such as business planning, financial forecasting and modelling, website development, cyber security planning, proactive marketing and sales, staff development and retention.
Hear from round one businesses themselves on their experience:
“Participating in the Business Resilience Program has been a big confidence boost for our operations in the Western Downs. The program offered practical tools, sharp insights, and real-world strategies tailored to the challenges we face in regional industries. It’s not just theory - it’s the confidence to action without hesitation. The team brought a refreshing, no-nonsense approach that helped strengthen our business foundations and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth. Highly recommended for any business looking to sharpen its edge and future-proof its operations.”
“Our mentor provided wonderful support and insight into all our topics we discussed. The Program provided us with acknowledgment of what we are already providing and our processes. It gave us insight into some other measures we could add to improve what we have in place, I see it being a well rounded experience. The Program was a great concept and wonderful it was provided by our Council.”
“This program is great and gave me reassurance at a time when I was second guessing decisions made. It gave me a new mindset and courage to tackle parts of the business I have been putting off, for example time management. I will continue to learn and adapt, designate days to work on the business rather than always working in the business.”
The Business Mentoring program has been designed to support business owners to work on your business planning, marketing, continuity and resilience planning. Participation in the program is free for businesses in the Western Downs region. Learn more in the Frequently Asked Questions.
How will the program be delivered?
Receive two one-on-one mentoring sessions bespoke to your business needs.
Attend three group mentoring sessions covering topics such as cashflow management, digital marketing and more (topics will be confirmed based on business needs).
Receive access to resources, templates, tools and hands-on support to help you.
Applications closed on 3 October 2025.
This mentoring program is part of the Western Downs Building Business Resilience Program which aims to create greater business resilience and future proofing as a result of disaster. The Building Business Resilience Program is delivered by Western Downs Regional Council and supported by Shell Australia as part of its social investment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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We are accepting applications from all businesses in the Western Downs local government area, including not-for-profit organisations such as associations, community groups and social enterprises. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the Sparrowly Group team at mentoring@sparrowly.com.
Businesses from round one are not eligible for further mentoring, however they will be invited to take part in the group mentoring sessions.
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Businesses will receive up to five (5) hours of individualised and group mentoring and business support.
In these sessions with one of our experienced business mentors we’ll work with you on your specific business needs in the areas of understanding your business model, risk identification and management, and business planning.
With the support of your mentor, you will develop your business plans and identify resources and support for your business.
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One-to-one sessions will be delivered either online (e.g. Zoom) or phone calls and are flexible to your availability.
Group mentoring sessions will be delivered online via Zoom and out of work hours for your convenience (sessions will run from 7 pm AEST). These sessions are designed to provide further support to the program and address common challenges from businesses. The sessions will not be recorded.
The program will be completed by the end of November 2025.
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We understand that unexpected and last minute things come up where you may need to reschedule your session. We’ll always do our best to be flexible where we can but appreciate your support on this.
We kindly ask that any cancellations be made at least 12 hours prior (by 6 pm the previous working day) to your scheduled session. We can reschedule the session with you based on your availability.
Unfortunately, cancellations made with less than 12 hours notice will result in the session being forfeited and not rescheduled.
Privacy Policy
Sparrowly Group ensures strict information and privacy standards according to our privacy policy. Any business information shared is used strictly for the specific purpose of the program and will not be shared without the consent of the business owner.
Image credits to Experience Western Downs and (left to right): Mace’s Hot Bread Miles, Tara Lagoon and The Dulacca Hotel.
