Following delivery of a successful pilot programme we’re given another cohort of businesses the opportunity to work with a carefully selected, experienced and highly qualified business mentor for six months starting in September 2024. All mentors are ready and willing to help you grow your business, and we have some serious knowledge and expertise in our mentoring team.

Meeting for between 1hr and 1.5hrs each month from September to the end of February we’re charging £895+VAT per business (payment options are available) for this great opportunity to take you and your business to the next level. The programme is open to any business regardless of sector, size and stage (if based in the Cumberland Council area you could access £500 to help cover costs through grant funding).

The role of a mentor is to encourage the personal and professional development of their mentee by sharing their knowledge, expertise and experience. The mentoring relationship is built on mutual trust, respect and communication. It involves both parties, meeting regularly to exchange ideas, discuss progress and set SMART goals for further development.

A mentor is a sounding board, a critical friend who provides ongoing, personalised guidance, is non-judgmental, supportive, challenging, a catalyst for ideas and a confidant – they have your interests at heart and will provide a safe, confidential space for you to talk about your business, giving you time to think about your business rather than always fighting fires within the business. Working with a mentor also takes away the isolation many small business owners feel and gives you the support needed to move your business onto the next level.

If you’re interested please email Lesley Robinson – lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk with the following information: