Business mentoring

Using a business mentor is one way of helping you make the right decisions for your business, but there are other forms of support you could consider. These include:

• coaching
• peer mentoring and peer learning alliances
• networking
• professional advice

Coaching

Specific short-term business issues can be addressed through coaching which has similar elements as mentoring. There are many organisations that offer coaching services.

Peer mentoring and peer learning alliances

You can also get help or advice from other people in a similar situation, such as people of a similar age or background. When setting up a business, this is likely to involve contacting someone who is also trying to set up a business and faces similar issues. Like business mentoring, this can be as formal or informal as you like.

Networking

The wider world of networking allows you to meet a range of business people. You can do this at a local level - by talking to other business people in your area - or at a much broader level, eg through social networking websites and professional networks such as LinkedIn.

Sources of information about local networking groups or meetings are available from the NI Chamber of Commerce, business advisers or local trade associations. 

For more information see Northern Ireland business networks and search the Northern Ireland business support finder.

Professional advice

For tax and legal issues, it is important to seek professional advice - see choose and work with an accountant and choose and work with a solicitor.