Frequently Asked Questions


What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a supported system where one person shares their skills, knowledge and experience to assist others to grow and develop.  

What is Virtual Mentoring?

Virtual Mentoring allows you to connect to a Business Mentor over a phone or video call. You will receive the same support, but your Mentor may be based in a different part of the country. It's a great way to find the best-suited Mentor for your business needs.

Who will my Mentor be?

Your Mentor will be an experienced businessperson from your region.  All of our Mentors have been screened and inducted to ensure they have the ability to be an effective Mentor.  He or she will be matched to you by a Mentor Coordinator, with relevant skills based on your unique circumstances and needs.

Who are the Mentor Coordinators and what role do they perform?

The Mentor Coordinator is your first point of contact.  With 17 agencies located across New Zealand, every region is represented.  Our service is closely aligned with the NZTE Regional Business Partnership to ensure you have access to other key business resources.

Your local Mentor Coordinator will contact you to discuss your registration and then undertake matching you with a Mentor whose skills and experience are relevant to your needs.

Your Mentor Coordinator will reach out occasionally to follow-up and ensure the match is working well. You can also contact your Mentor Coordinator at any time if you have questions or need assistance.

Is there a cost to register?

For a one-off registration fee of $295 + GST, you will have up to 12 months' access to a Business Mentor who will help you develop your business and yourself as a business owner.  The fee is a small contribution towards a supported delivery service and is non-refundable.

When will I meet my Mentor?

Once you have been matched, your Mentor will contact you to arrange a suitable meeting time at a mutually agreeable location.  

How often will I meet my Mentor?

In the initial month, there will likely be a couple of meetings to set direction and determine an action plan. Going forward, this will likely become monthly meetings. This is to be determined between yourself and your Mentor.

This service is for up to 12 months.

What will the Mentor do?

Your Mentor will work alongside you over the course of the year to develop your professional skills and abilities.

The Mentoring will be tailored to suit your individual needs, but in general your Mentor will work with you to define your needs and objectives. You and your Mentor will agree on an action plan, which you will then work on before your next mentoring session.

How can I expect my Mentor to work alongside me?

Mentors gift their time and knowledge.  They have no financial or emotional investment in your business.  Mentors are driven and motivated by contributing to the success of their Mentee.

Your Mentor will support you by:

  • Sharing their knowledge and expertise
  • Acting as a sounding board
  • Assessing your business (idea) and the expertise within it
  • Identifying areas that need improvement or development
  • Working with you to grow your business
  • Suggesting specific actions that you can implement
  • Helping you to see that there is a 'bigger picture' 
  • Helping you develop your decision-making skills

What industries and sectors do Mentors work in?

A good Mentor can benefit you regardless of sector. However, we have a large pool of Mentors with cross-transferable skills and experience.

Who do we Mentor?

We mentor people who are responsible for their business.  Our service is accessible to small business owners, startup entrepreneurs and social enterprise executive officers.

Can I cover the cost of someones registration for them?

Yes you can by using Give the Gift of Guidance. Support a business owner this year by purchasing them 12 months of Mentoring with Business Mentors New Zealand. Click here for more information.