Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) VIC

Purpose and Program Overview

The Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) is an independent, not-for-profit association dedicated to assisting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Victoria. Supported by the Victorian Government, the program provides low-cost, professional mentoring to help business owners navigate challenges, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.

The primary objective of the service is to connect business owners with experienced mentors who have successfully owned or managed small businesses themselves. This peer-to-peer support model is designed to build the capability of the Victorian small business sector, driving innovation and economic resilience. Through a combination of general mentoring and targeted programs, SBMS provides a sounding board for new ideas and practical guidance for existing operations.

Beyond individual sessions, the SBMS plays a critical role in the broader Victorian business ecosystem by delivering specialised workshops and partner-led programs. These initiatives often focus on specific industry needs or regional challenges, ensuring that Victorian entrepreneurs have access to affordable, high-quality expertise regardless of their business stage or location.

Key Grant Details

• Funding Range: Subsidised low-cost mentoring (typically ranging from free sessions via local council vouchers to affordable paid packages).

• Application Period: Open year-round for general mentoring; specific programs (like the Business Skills Mentoring Program) have set closing dates.

• Eligible Industries: All small business sectors; priority given to specific sectors in government-funded rounds.

• Co-contributions: Required for ongoing mentoring after initial subsidised sessions.

• Location: Victoria-wide (Metropolitan and Regional).

Priority Sectors

While the general SBMS mentoring is open to a broad range of sectors, the Business Skills Mentoring Program (a current Victorian Government initiative delivered in partnership with Monarch Institute) explicitly prioritises the following six sectors:

• Advanced Manufacturing and Defence

• Agribusiness

• Circular Economy

• Digital Technologies

• Health Technologies and Medical Research

• Regional Tourism

Funding Scope

Mentoring support is structured to accommodate different business needs and scales:

• Standard Sessions: Typically 1-hour to 90-minute one-on-one sessions.

• Mentoring Packages: Options for multiple sessions (e.g., 5-session packages) to facilitate long-term planning and relationship building.

• Specialised Programs: Targeted initiatives like the Business Skills Mentoring Program offer three free one-hour sessions to be utilised within three months.

• Council Vouchers: Many Victorian local councils partner with SBMS to provide free initial vouchers (valued at approximately $175) for local businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

To access SBMS services or specific government-backed mentoring programs, businesses must generally meet the following:

• Business Structure: Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Employee Count: Typically 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

• Location: Must be a Victorian-registered business with a physical presence in the state.

• ABN/GST: Must hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN). For specific programs, ABN history requirements (e.g., held since 1 December 2024) and GST registration may apply.

• Compliance: Business must be currently operating and compliant with Australian business regulations.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding and support through SBMS are applied toward professional advisory services, including:

• Strategic Planning: Developing business plans and growth roadmaps.

• Financial Management: Cash flow analysis, budgeting, and financial health checks.

• Marketing and Sales: Digitalisation, communication strategies, and customer acquisition.

• Operational Efficiency: Identifying barriers to growth and streamlining business practices.

• Change Management: Navigating business disruptions and planning for succession.

Assessment Process

The standard SBMS service is entitlement-based (subject to payment of fees or provision of a council voucher). However, government-funded rounds like the Business Skills Mentoring Program are:

• Expression of Interest (EOI) Driven: Applicants must submit an online EOI.

• Competitive/Limited: Places are often capped (e.g., 1,000 places) and allocated based on eligibility and availability.

• Evaluation Criteria: Assessment is based on sector alignment, business size, and the potential impact of mentoring on the business’s growth or innovation goals.

Recent Program Updates

• Business Skills Mentoring Program: Launched in late 2025, this $1.1 million initiative provides 1,000 Victorian small businesses in priority sectors with free mentoring.

• Closing Date: For the current 2025/26 round, Expressions of Interest close at 5:00 PM on Friday, 27 March 2026, or earlier if places are exhausted.

• Service Delivery: Increased focus on online delivery to ensure accessibility for regional Victorian businesses.

Application Tips

• Verify Eligibility: Ensure your ABN details and GST registration are current before applying for subsidised rounds.

• Define Objectives: Be clear about the specific business challenge you want the mentor to help solve (e.g., “expanding into e-commerce” or “improving cash flow”).

• Prepare Documents: Have recent financials or a draft business plan ready for the “pre-mentoring” stage to maximise the value of your sessions.

• Act Quickly: Government-funded places are limited and often close before the official deadline once capacity is reached.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of Small Business Mentoring Service Victoria and other associated Australian government websites.