In short:
Victorian small business owners can access free one-on-one mentoring through the expanded Business Skills Mentoring program, with additional funding available through two new grant initiatives. Expressions of interest close on 31 August 2026.
Business Mentoring Program Expands
Small and family businesses across Victoria will have access to expanded support under the Business Skills Mentoring program, giving more owners access to free, one-on-one advice.
Eligible business owners can access three confidential one-hour mentoring sessions designed to help build their skills and grow their businesses.
Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all Victorian businesses, employing more than 1.3 million people and contributing more than $429 billion to the state’s economy each year.
Since July 2025, the program has delivered hundreds of free, one-on-one business advice sessions, benefiting businesses across seven priority industry sectors.
Those sectors include advanced manufacturing, health technology, agribusiness, regional tourism, the circular economy, technology and distilleries.
Expanded Services For This Round
Among the businesses to benefit is Green Collect, which partners with organisations to process more than 150 tonnes of stationery, electronics, furniture, clothing and homewares.
Through the mentoring program, the business gained new skills to strengthen its marketing and community outreach.
Two additional initiatives are also set to launch in the coming months.
The Multicultural Skills Fund will provide up to $5,000 for business skills training for multicultural businesses, while the Small Business Activation Fund will offer grants of up to $5,000 for local councils, business organisations, chambers of commerce and industry associations to help local small businesses grow.
Expressions of interest for the Business Skills Mentoring program close on 31 August 2026.
Click here to learn more and apply.
FOLLOW US
