FAQ

How much does it cost?

I live in regional Victoria. Can I still see a Mentor?

We travel to where you are, anywhere in Victoria. The Small Business Mentoring Service has assisted many businesses in regional Victoria. We have some Mentors located in regional centres and they may be selected by choosing "regional Mentors in the BOOK a Program section or by calling your nearest Victorian Business Centre.

My business is outside of Victoria, can SBMS help me?

Sorry but no we cannot help you unless you are prepared to travel to Victoria. We are limited by our professional indemnity insurance. If you are in a town on or near the border please call your nearest Victorian Business Centre. Their phone number can be located via our Contacts page

How far will the Mentor travel to see me?

This depends on the Mentor. All Mentors will travel up to 50 kilometers return from their location. When you are selecting a Mentor their location is shown and how far they are prepared to travel. Some times it might be helpful to meet with your Mentor halfway or at a mutually agreed location if your business requires a considerable distance for the Mentor. Remember the Mentor is a volunteer and travel may be difficult.

I have a voucher from a Workshop or Seminar that I attended, entitling me to a free mentoring session(s). How do I arrange this?

On the home page you can click on the Voucher tab and after entering the code from your voucher, you will bypass all the program selection areas. This will also adjust any payment in accordance with the voucher on hand. The normal process of completing the booking and choosing a Mentor should then be followed.

Can I claim the mentoring sessions back on my tax?

Possibly. A Tax Invoice will be sent to you with your booking confirmation but you will need to determine your individual tax treatment with your Accountant.

If I have paid to see a Mentor and then decide not to proceed how do I get a refund?

On the Tax Invoice that you receive with the letter confirming the mentoring booking will be the telephone number to call to organise the refund. You will be asked to supply the Invoice number and the Referral Reference number and a credit will be immediately made.

How do I pay for the mentoring?

The online booking system allows you to pay by credit card, which is the preferred method because it can be processed more quickly. Alternatives, that take longer, include cheque, money order and direct Bank deposit. Payment is required at the start of your booking because Mentors do not get involved in payments for sessions.

Is GST included in the mentoring program pricing?

All the prices quoted for the mentoring programmes include GST.

Is mentoring expensive?

No, it’s excellent value for money particularly compared to professional consultancy services. The SBMS Experienced Business Mentors are volunteers. They do not get paid for their mentoring. This allows us to offer a low cost mentoring service. Please see the Programs Directory tab.

How do I get a refund?

If for any reason, you are unable or do not wish, to complete the mentoring sessions that you have paid for, contact your Mentor and they will happily arrange a refund.