FCA Welcomes Small Business Mentoring Service as New Gold Partner to Back Small Business Success

In response to growing demand for independent business support across the franchise sector, the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is pleased to announce the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) as a new Gold Partner.

This strategic partnership aims to strengthen support for franchisees and franchisors through mentoring, targeted business diagnostics, and practical guidance tailored to today’s economic challenges.

FCA members will now have access to SBMS’s national network of more than 120 experienced mentors, supported by a strong regional presence, particularly in Victoria. The service offers guidance on everything from growth strategies to navigating setbacks, including specialised assistance for businesses affected by natural disasters.

Through this partnership, franchisees and franchisors will gain access to confidential and independent support, helping them to improve retention, grow profitability, and build more sustainable businesses. Key initiatives under development include a “Franchise Business Diagnostic” tool to identify business strengths and areas for improvement. This will serve as a pathway to more tailored mentoring packages and enable both organisations to gather valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

With franchising contributing more than $174 billion annually to the Australian economy and supporting 500,000+ jobs, the sector is a powerful pathway for business ownership.

This partnership arrives at a pivotal time as the FCA intensifies its focus on celebrating franchise heroes, advocating for the sector, and driving member value through initiatives like the National Franchise Convention, Franchise Industry Awards, and World Franchise Day.

The collaboration also sets the stage for joint campaigns, including data-led storytelling and media engagement, that reinforce the success of franchising as a model and the critical role of mentoring in ensuring business longevity.

Quote from Jay Westbury, CEO, Franchise Council of Australia (FCA):

“SBMS’s deep experience in mentoring and its shared commitment to small business success make it a natural fit for the FCA. This partnership allows us to offer tangible value to our members, franchisees and franchisors alike, by connecting them with expert, independent advice when they need it most. As the peak body for franchising in Australia, the FCA is focused on empowering our members with practical tools and support. Partnering with organisations like SBMS enables us to strengthen the foundations of our sector and ensure its continued growth.”

Quote from Pamela Sutton-Legaud, CEO, Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS):

“Many franchisees are new to business and face challenges they can’t always solve alone. Our partnership with the FCA delivers practical, one-on-one mentoring to help them build confidence, solve problems early, and make informed decisions. It’s about providing the tools and trusted support they need to succeed and helping strengthen the sector as a whole. We’re proud to be part of the FCA’s mission to support the franchising sector across Australia.”

For SBMS media enquiries:

Contact Anne Punter, 0408 392 967 [email protected]

For FCA media enquiries:

Contact LJ Loch, 0488 038 555 [email protected]

About Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS):

The Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing accessible and affordable mentoring services for small business owners. SBMS passionately believes in the vital role small businesses play in enhancing their local communities and driving economic development. Through our Australia wide network of over 120 dedicated volunteer business mentors, we work directly with business owners and in collaboration with community, government and industry partners to deliver tailored mentoring support that is responsive to the needs of small business. www.sbms.org.au

About the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA):

The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is the peak industry body for franchising in Australia, representing both franchisors and franchisees. With a rich history spanning four decades, the FCA is committed to promoting excellence, best practices and innovation in the franchising sector. As a national voice on franchising, the FCA advocates for the interests of its members and works collaboratively to ensure the growth and success of franchising in Australia.