Ballarat’s Chamber of Commerce are taking applications for their 2018 mentoring program that pairs new business owners with experienced business mentors.
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Brayden Dorney, 26, started producing and selling Barber’s Choice men’s grooming products about four years ago and was a part of the program in 2017.
He said being able to gain knowledge from someone with experience running and managing business enterprises was an invaluable experience.
“There was a lot going on and at first I was just selling it to my bearded mates and I had absolutely no idea what to do from there,” he said.
“I saw the poster looking for people for the program when I was looking at transitioning from sole trader to a propriety limited company and I was having a bit of freak out so it was good timing.
“I sent Jodie from Commerce Ballarat a message and said I wanted to apply and two weeks later she said I had been accepted and she sat my down and matched me up with someone who could help.”
Mr Dorny was matched with Vicki Coltman, 54, who has years of experience in running all kinds of businesses.
“I have worked in retail for a long time, in fact my family have owned and run Mitre 10 stores in Ballarat for 120 years,” she said.
“I have worked in small and large business business from my IT background with IBM to Dad's butcher shop; I have been in training roles, implementing services and mentoring all kinds.
“This means I can share skills and experiences and I can send Brayden in the right direction.”
For the last 10 months, Ms Coltman and Mr Dorney have been able to grow the Baraber’s Choice brand and learn new things from each other.
I encourage young or old starting a business to get involved, you have nothing to lose.
- Brayden Dorney, Barber's Choice
Ms Coltman said she has found working with Mr Dorney very rewarding and has enjoyed sharing her experience with him.
“I have been very much a soundboard for Brayden; he can ask me questions and show me things, we've discussed ways we can grow and work in line with marketing and basic bushiness strategy,” she said.
“I have given him guidance on price points and what makes his product different; I have challenged him to think about price and the where and why of his products.”
Mr Dorney will be bringing out four new products next month and said he would not have been able to grow his business the same way without the mentoring program.
“I think it’s been great, it’s hard when starting a new business to know where to find people to help support you,” he said.
Business owners interested in applying for the 2018 Commerce Ballarat mentor program can send a one page letter stating how their business could benefit from this program to jodie@commerceballarat.com.au
