_{21 August 2008}

IBSA is working on a project to explore how skill development activities might be made more relevant and appealing to small businesses. The starting point has been the identification of skills sets for effective mentors for small businesses, which includes both facilitation of individual learning and small business expertise skills. Part of the current work will involve the development of a mentoring program that will connect small businesses with skilling opportunities.

The project will also produce information on a range of opportunities for skill development for various types of small businesses and for various stages of the business life cycle.

Skill sets which have been identified include:

• Mentor for a Commencing or Recently Established Small Business Skill Set
• Small Business Contracting Skill Set
• Small Business Financial Management Skill Set
• Small Business Home-Based Business Skill Set
• Small Business Indigenous Corporate Governance Skill Set
• Small Business Marketing Skill Set
• Small Business Operations Preparatory Skill Set
• Small Business Preparatory Skill Set
• Mentor for Growing Small Business Skill Set

For further information about the project, follow this link to the IBSA website.