Applications Open for 2024 MentorsWork Programme

On March 13th, Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and Paul Healy, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, officially announced the opening of registrations for the 2024 MentorsWork programme.

MentorsWork, an award-winning initiative of Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association (SFA), has supported over 3,000 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland since launching in 2020. MentorsWork offers an expert business mentoring programme to SME businesses from all sectors nationwide with a further 1,000 spaces available.

Minister Simon Harris emphasised the importance of initiatives like MentorsWork in nurturing the growth of SMEs, saying, "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and providing them with the necessary support and guidance is crucial for their success. Programmes like MentorsWork play a vital role in empowering SMEs to overcome challenges and thrive in today's competitive landscape. It is part of our department's mission to ensure that everyone has access to support to enhance their skills and reach their full potential. We are proud to support MentorsWork on its mission of building a pathway to business success."

Open to business owners and managers from all industries with one to 250 employees, the 12-week MentorsWork programme introduces participants to a dedicated and experienced mentor who works with them to address their specific areas of concern, alongside masterclasses and peer-to-peer workshops. Throughout the programme, SME owners and managers gain access to essential tools and knowledge in key areas such as People Management, Business Processes, Finance, Growth Strategies, and Digitalisation.

Paul Healy expressed his enthusiasm for the programme's impact on the business community, saying, “At Skillnet Ireland we are fostering a culture of continuous learning and upskilling within our SMEs. The MentorsWork programme delivers support and mentorship opportunities that are driven by individual business needs. Expert mentors are helping SME owners to innovate, to adopt new technologies and to adjust to the ever-changing market dynamics. The feedback from programme alumni has been powerful with many citing MentorsWork as the key to their continued success."

By the end of the programme, participants will have created a bespoke business improvement plan with their mentor to help guide them through the following six months. In addition to the 12-week programme, MentorsWork offers consultancy services and bespoke team training services to its alumni who have been through the initial programme and require more support with their business development plan.

MentorsWork has provided support to businesses across diverse sectors and industries including lifestyle, hair and beauty, childcare, technology, retail, marketing services, recruitment and small manufacturing businesses have been largely represented and all sectors are eligible for the programme.

To find out more information and to register for the programme, please visit www.mentorswork.ie.