At the commencement of every new enterprise, every entrepreneur is allocated a COE Business Mentor, an experienced business person capable of providing support and direction. The Business Mentor is responsible for overseeing the progression and relevance of the Entrepreneurs Development Plan, providing regular support contacts, and guiding.
The Business Mentor is available for troubleshooting advice and plays an important role in the development of all entrepreneurs.
COMMUNITY MENTORING
In addition to the Business Mentor, every entrepreneur is will have access to a Community Mentor who offers insight and support on issues and opportunities usually specific to the local area. The mentor can be identified by the community, entrepreneur or the Business Mentor and can be a business person, community leader or respected community member.
The Community Mentor can be utilised in many ways including:
- Intel on local politics and community relationships
- Networking opportunities
- Troubleshooting
- Local labour market
- Regional market analysis
- Identify local opportunities
- Business mentoring
The community mentor can be a formal or informal arrangement that is additional support to the COE Business Mentor
BUSINESS PLANNING
COE have worked in conjunction with Small Business Development Services to develop a self-paced program for identified Potential Entrepreneurs and interested staff. This program is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the skills and understanding to develop and implement a Business Model Canvas for the enterprise they are working in.
This program consists of several modules that can be delivered in weekly sessions, or in half or full day workshops. By using their own enterprise, progression through each module results in a Business Model Canvas for their business that can be used to develop the Business Plan.
By working on the business throughout their Development Plan, entrepreneurs develop a sense of ownership and control from the start.
LIFE SKILLS
At COE we recognise that many skills that are required when managing a successful business are general life skills. People new to business can find themselves in new situations that may require different skills or coping mechanisms not taught in traditional learning programs.
Where appropriate, COE’s Entrepreneurs Development Plans incorporate life skills coaching to ensure skills and coping mechanisms are learnt to assist with manage successful enterprises. Identifying what life skills may be required can take time and can be built into the Development Plan once a trust relationship has been created with the Business Mentor.
Strategies to build life skills can include (but are not limited to), literacy and numeracy programs, healthy lifestyle programs, cultural awareness training, dealing with humbugging, drug and alcohol programs and management techniques, domestic violence awareness and support.
ACCREDITED TRAINING
Incorporating accredited training for all workers involved in the enterprise development phase, demonstrates to the community a commitment to building the capacity across all levels of the business. It also provides the business with the benefits of well trained staff with a broad knowledge base.
Accredited training can be delivered project based, in the classroom, on-line or a combination of three. By utilising the Business Mentor for additional support, success rates for on-line or self-paced studies can be increased.
Accredited Training Options – Industry specific training
- Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management
- Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management
- Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
- Certificate II in Horticulture
- Certificate II in Business
- Certificate III in Business
- Certificate I in construction
- Certificate II in Construction Pathways
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate II in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts
- Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care, Disability and Home and Community care)
- Certificate I in Retail Services
- Certificate II in Retail Services
- Certificate III in Retail Operations
- Certificate II in Hospitality
- Certificate III in Hospitality
Accredited Training Options – business and enterprise specific training
- Certificate III in Micro Business Operations
- Certificate IV in Business
- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
- Certificate IV in Small Business Management
- Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
- Certificate IV in New Small Business
BUSINESS SERVICES
COE has access to an extensive range of back-end corporate services that can provide specialised business coaching to start up enterprises and entrepreneurs. Coaching is delivered in a variety of ways depending on the experience level of the PE, their existing skills and the requirements of the enterprise.
Business coaching methods can include:
- Assistance with elements of the business model canvas or training
- Scheduled coaching sessions with the subject matter expert via skype or phone
- Work Experience
Business coaching is available in the following business areas:
- Marketing
- Finance and payroll
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Human Resources
- Business Development and Relationships
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
Lasting and systemic change is something that can only be achieved by the commitment and actions of our communities. Our goal is to enable communities by building their capacity to deliver local economic solutions and reduce welfare dependency. COE work with communities to facilitate and support the implementation of positive change, and believe that true and meaningful change comes from grassroots community and stakeholder consultation.
Our staff facilitate culturally appropriate stakeholder consultation and collaboration that ensures community development aligns with community objectives. Success means different things to different communities and it is important that we understand their objects to enable meaningful support. We view consultation as an on-going series of opportunities and discussions to gain a holistic understanding of a range of opinions and advise.
COE utilise a mix of formal and informal methods to maximise participation.
FUNDING SUPPORT
A key barrier restricting indigenous start-ups is their insufficient access to capital and business planning.
COE can assist start-ups in a number of ways:
- Support with initial set-up costs
- Expert knowledge on available grants and funding options
- Grassroots financial advice that considers cultural factors
- Assistance with tender and grant submissions
BRANDING & MARKETING
Proper branding and marketing strategies will allow access to new markets and create opportunities for start-up enterprises. COE have access to experienced and qualified marketing professionals that can assist build a marketing strategy specific to an individual enterprise that incorporates social media, web design, promotional material and branding strategies.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Our Business Coaches provide on the ground support from the beginning of the project. Each enterprise has a business growth strategy that is supported by COE staff. Our experienced coaches assist with the practicalities to achieve growth.
This can include assistance to connect with different markets, securing local contracts and suppliers, promotional requirements and building business relationships.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Negotiating contracts can be a daunting task even to experienced business professionals. COE guides potential entrepreneurs through the negotiation process, ensuring sound business outcomes for the enterprise while building emerging entrepreneurial business capacity.
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Strong partnerships are at the core of COE’s service delivery model. We guide enterprises on the importance of strong relationships and introduce them to partners that can strengthen their business.