FRIDAY 13 May is the closing date for applications for Nambucca Valley businesses to access the final Destination North Coast Business Accelerator and Mentoring program.

Highly valued by past recipients, this program is free of charge, being fully funded by Destination North Coast and the Australian Government under the Recovery for Regional Tourism Fund.

It is designed to work with individuals to support their business to recover and grow.

Michael Thurston, General Manager Destination North Coast, told News Of The Area, “With the constant challenges that tourism and hospitality businesses have faced over recent years and the diverse range of skills required to run such businesses, Destination North Coast are delighted to be able to offer this mentoring support.

“A key element of the success of the program is the quality of the mentors who have all run businesses or had senior roles in this sector.

“They bring a diverse range of experience and knowledge which enables us to provide specific support for whatever challenges that the businesses being mentored face, whether in the start-up phase or for established operators,” he said.

“Participating in the Destination North Coast Business Accelerator and Mentoring programme has been a privilege and a valuable learning opportunity,” Monique Fitzgerald, Owner, Coffs Coast Accommodation told News Of The Area.

“The monthly mentoring meetings and assignments were especially useful in helping me to structure my business for growth, improve my marketing strategy and optimise business operations and procedures.

“The programme has helped future proof my business and has given me the confidence and courage to take my business to the next level.”

Clark Webb told News Of The Area (NOTA), “Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours, for our cultural stand up paddle tours, and Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation for the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience were lucky enough to be selected in the Destination North Coast Business Accelerator and Mentoring Program, with Mentors from Sparrowly.

“This program has given us so much support with so many parts of both products.

“We have been able to receive valuable support in regard to target marketing, product development, overall customer journey, pre and post contact with our customer and improving our business processes.”

Awia Markey, Owner, Bite Food Tours, told NOTA, “I found the Business Accelerator and Mentoring Program extremely helpful, and it was great to be mentored by an expert in food tourism.

“I encourage every small business to apply.

“I enjoyed the process, and the online resources were excellent and well thought out.

“As a solo business, I found it especially valuable to have a sounding board to test ideas, ask advice, and consider new approaches.

“The program gave me ongoing tools and solutions to identify and market my business and its point.”

Accepted participants in this final round will be matched with an expert mentor who will work with and guide them to achieve their business goals.

The program offers up to seven hours of one-on-one business mentoring support and will be delivered from now until September 2022.

See here for application and further information: https://www.sparrowly.com/dnc-business-accelerator-mentoring-program.

 

By Andrea FERRARI