Leading research shows that 70 percent of small businesses that receive mentoring survive for more than five years which is double the survival rate of non-mentored businesses.
Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg all had business mentors at some stage of their lives so mentoring can benefit even the brightest of minds.
In this post we provide a comprehensive list of free business mentors that are available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Israel, Luxembourg, Netherlands, India, Singapore and Malaysia. These business mentors are facilitated by the Governments of these countries so are of a high quality.
Every country around the world has numerous business mentors that charge fees however our focus here is exclusively only on those countries that provide high quality business mentors for free.
Free Business Mentors in United States
SCORE is the United States’ largest network of expert business mentors and is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Since 1964 they have helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources.
To find a mentor simply visit here and enter your zip code.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are another mentoring option all across the United States and is a cooperative effort between the private sector, educational community and federal, state and local governments.
You can search for a location nearest you here:
Other options in the United States target specific groups:
- The Minority Business Development Agency has a network of 34 Business Centers that provide business mentors to minority-owned businesses. You can search here for your nearest one.
- The Association of Women’s Business Centers has over 100 Women’s Business Centers which help women to succeed in business with mentoring, training, business development and financing resources. You can find your nearest one here.
- The Veterans Business Outreach Center program provides mentoring, business training, business development, feasibility analysis, concept assessments and business plans to veterans, transitioning service members and other military staff and spouses interested in starting or growing a business.
Free Business Mentors in Canada
Futurpreneur Canada is a national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged between 18 to 39.
Their mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs from a network of over 3,000 expert business mentors.
You can start the process here.
The Government of Canada has a comprehensive list of mentoring and support organisations that are available.
Free Business Mentors in United Kingdom
MentorsMe is a national business mentoring network featuring over 10,000 expert business mentors. It is supported by key business groups in the United Kingdom and is backed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Free Business Mentors in Republic of Ireland
The Local Enterprise Office has a Mentor Programme available to new and existing businesses. You can find your nearest Local Enterprise Office here.
Another option in the Republic of Ireland is the Small Business Advice Programme which is available to new or existing businesses who employ less than 10 people. You can submit your application here.
Free Business Mentors in Australia
The Australian Government provides a comprehensive range of business mentors who can meet with you in-person, over the phone or via online communication tools.
You can use this search tool to find business mentors in your State.
There is also a nationwide network of Business Enterprise Centres across all States who provide mentoring support, business analysis and information, training programs, business referrals, government grants and assistance programs and business networking.
You can use this search tool to find the Business Enterprise Centre that is nearest to you.
Free Business Mentors in New Zealand
Founded in 1991, Business Mentors New Zealand is a national business mentoring service that has assisted over 70,000 individuals in startups, existing businesses and not-for-profit management.
They provide up to 12 months of confidential, one-on-one assistance and partner with key stakeholders in the public sector including MBIE, IRD and NZTE as well as private sector sponsors.
You can register your interest in a mentor here.
Free Business Mentors in Finland
Business Mentors Finland is a nationwide non-profit association of experienced business owners and entrepreneurs that is dedicated to supporting Finnish entrepreneurs and small business owners with a comprehensive mentoring program. You can apply for a mentor here.
Free Business Mentors in Israel
Israel has a nationwide network of Small Business Development Centres (called MATI Centres in Hebrew) which provide custom mentoring programs and are funded and operated by the Israel Small and Medium Enterprises Authority. You can find your nearest MATI Centre here.
Free Business Mentors in Luxembourg
Created by the Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg has a business mentoring program for small to medium-sized businesses and is conducted over 6, 12 or 18 months dependent on the needs of each business. The program includes regular meetings with an experienced business mentor, ongoing support and sharing of the mentor’s experience, and a range of events such as workshops and information and strategy sessions.
Free Business Mentors in Netherlands
The Netherlands Government in conjunction with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce have compiled this excellent resource which details the range of mentoring and coaching available regionally and nationally within the Netherlands.
Free Business Mentors in India
The Government of India’s Startup India is a platform for startups to interact amongst each other, exchange information and form partnerships. You can search for mentors here.
Free Business Mentors in Singapore
Supported by Enterprise Singapore, SME Centres are set up by industry associations and chambers of commerce to serve local enterprises and entrepreneurs. Each SME Centre is a one-stop centre with a team of business advisors who can provide financial, management and business advisory services.
You can make an appointment with a SME Centre business advisor here.
You can find out more information about SME Centres here.
Free Business Mentors in Malaysia
Funded by Malaysia’s Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre has this mentoring program where you can connect with Malaysia’s most experienced entrepreneurs from a wide variety of backgrounds.
If you have any comments or questions about this post we’d love to hear from you. Email us at support@BusinessIntelHQ.com.