The Victorian Government is supporting small business owners with the launch of the Business Skills Mentoring program, aimed at helping up to 1,000 entrepreneurs strengthen their skills, build confidence and achieve long-term growth.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman announced the initiative, which offers three one-hour mentoring sessions for eligible small business owners across the state. Each session will connect participants with experienced mentors who can provide tailored advice to help them navigate challenges, set achievable goals and identify new opportunities.
The mentors will offer practical guidance across a range of topics, including developing growth strategies, improving operations, addressing barriers to expansion, and enhancing investment readiness. Business owners will also gain insights into core business skills, planning and management practices designed to improve resilience and adaptability.
Support through the program will target six priority sectors central to Victoria’s future growth—advanced manufacturing and defence, health technologies and medical research, circular economy, digital technologies, agribusiness and regional tourism.
Victoria remains one of Australia’s strongest small business hubs, home to more than 718,000 small businesses employing over 1.3 million people and contributing more than $417 billion annually to the state’s economy. Over the past five years, more than 113,000 new businesses have been created—an 18 per cent increase, the highest of any state.
The Business Skills Mentoring program is backed by a $1.1 million investment through the Victorian Budget 2025/26 and forms part of the Government’s Economic Growth Statement, which outlines over 40 initiatives to make it easier for Victorians to start, run and grow their businesses.
Minister Suleyman said the program would give small business owners the support they need to build stronger enterprises.
“This mentoring program will give Victorian small businesses the tools and confidence to grow,” she said. “By connecting small business owners with industry experts, we’re strengthening capability to drive innovation, investment and job creation across Victoria.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the program would be especially valuable for regional and tourism operators.
“This expert support will give businesses the confidence to overcome challenges and the skills to innovate. For tourism operators, this support will be a real game-changer, helping them fill our hotels, cafes and restaurants,” he said.
Small business owners interested in participating can visit business.vic.gov.au for more information or to register their interest.
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