Start-up companies from London’s black community are being offered free mentoring services as part of a new support programme.
Business advisory firm KPMG recently piloted the Volunteers Inspiring Black Entrepreneurs (VIBE) programme, and is now rolling it out across the capital.
Under the scheme, businesses are assigned a mentor, usually a partner or director at the firm, to give a thorough review of the business and its market. The business owner then receives a face-to-face coaching and goal-setting session.
“Based on the great feedback from the businesses involved in the pilot we’re now extending the project and looking for more firms to work with,” said KPMG advisory partner and VIBE mentor Bernard Brown.
“The companies will have access to some of our most senior business advisers who will act as a sounding board for ideas and provide advice on how to build a successful future for their business.”
Brown said the feedback from the volunteers so far had been extremely positive. He added:
“In a short period of time they have seen the companies they have been advising flourish. It has also been a great opportunity for the volunteers to get back to grass roots business.”
Businesses eligible for the scheme can apply by registering at www.kpmg.co.uk/services/ras. The deadline is 5pm on 14 September.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
