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Find a Mentor Northern Ireland

Local mentors who help new business start-ups.

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Northern Ireland Mentoring

Mentor with group of mentees

Whether you are thinking about starting a business in Northern Ireland or you are already successfully trading, we would strongly advise you to consider finding a business mentor.

Even the most succesful business people recognise that they do not know everything and that an impartial outside perspective can be invaluable. Unlike working for a company, as an entrepreneur, you do not have a boss to turn to or to ask for a second opinion. A good mentor will learn about you, your business, your strengths and weaknesses. This combined with their own wisdom and experience, will provide you with an ongoing support mechanism.

Recommended Local Partner

EntreGuide

EntreGuide

EntreGuide provide expert Mentoring for Small Businesses and Startups across the whole of Northern Ireland. Our Advisers are successful entrepreneurs who have started their own successful businesses from scratch.

They have experienced first hand the problems you are encountering and the goals you are trying to achieve. Our advice and mentoring is relevant, road-tested and practical.

To see for yourself and to move your business forward contact us for an informal, no pressure FREE Consultation.

We are really passionate about helping those starting out and at startup stage, and because we are confident we can help, we are happy to offer a money back guarantee (terms apply).

What have you got to lose? If you would like to focus in on the good stuff for growth and eliminate the practices that waste your time, please do get in touch. We look forward to chatting to you over a coffee.

We found out the hard way that the practices of key importance for a small business are simple but not always practised.

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Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Frequently asked questions

Mentoring

Starting and running your own business is deeply personal but there are some questions which are asked more than others. Here are some of the most common mentoring queries that we have received over the years.

What is business mentoring?
Business mentoring is a supportive, long-term relationship where an experienced individual (the mentor) provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced person (the mentee). Unlike coaching, which is often more task and performance-oriented, mentoring focuses on the overall development of the mentee in a broader professional context.
What are the benefits of having a mentor?
Having a business mentor can offer numerous benefits, including personalised advice, insights into your industry, networking opportunities, emotional support, and guidance through challenges. Mentors can help you refine your business strategy and improve your decision-making skills.
What qualities should I look for in a mentor?
A good mentor should have a strong track record of success, deep industry knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the willingness to invest time in help you grow. Look for someone who is respectful, trustworthy, and demonstrates a genuine interest in your business and personal development.
What are the responsibilities of a mentor and a mentee?
Mentors are responsible for providing guidance, encouraging personal and professional growth, and offering constructive feedback. Mentees should come prepared, be open to learning and feedback, actively engage in the relationship, and set clear goals for what they hope to achieve.
How long do I have to work with a mentor?
The duration of a mentoring relationship can vary widely based on individual goals, the nature of the mentorship, and the preferences of both the mentor and the mentee. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some general mentoring guidelines.
How much does a mentor charge?
Gather all necessary documents before starting the application process. Common requirements include a business plan, financial projections, details of key team members, and a clear description of how the grant will be used.
How do I find a suitable mentor?
A list of local and national contacts can be found below.

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business in 2021

Download the 2024 edition of our Free guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered with links to useful articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English and points to where you can find help and support.

More Information and instant download

Free Friendly Advice

EntreGuide

If you would like some free friendly advice from a trusted local partner, please complete the form.

There will not be any pressure nor will you be under any obligation to buy paid services.

Alternatively you can contact Andy Pringle at andy@syob.net and he can help guide you with more information or suggest the best person to contact.

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Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Northern Ireland but where can it be found?

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