At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses around Edinburgh adjusted their offerings to stay afloat. Now, as we start to come out of lockdown, many will have questions about how to ensure their survival. A free mentoring programme by Scottish Business Cares (SBC) will help them find answers.
SBC is a goodwill collective delivered by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) in partnership with the Scottish Government that aims to provide guidance around the various issues businesses are facing as a result of the outbreak.
The crux of SBC’s offerings is a one-to-one mentoring service for Scottish organisations who need immediate support in overcoming challenges post-lockdown, with a focus on SMEs.
The deadline to apply is 26 June at 5pm GMT. Interested organisations can apply directly on the SBRC website. SBRC is also hosting a webinar on 23 June at 12pm with more information, registration details are available here.
Jude McCorry, CEO of SBRC, said: “SBRC have been running Business Resilience webinars answering general questions about surviving the COVID-19 lockdown since March.
“What we now need is one-to-one mentoring for organisations who require more specific support to overcome immediate challenges and get back on their feet. We are delighted to work with Scottish Government to provide this.
“We are very lucky to have Belinda Roberts, founder of WeDO Scotland and member of our Scottish Business Cares Advisory Board, run the mentoring programme for us.”
Belinda Roberts added: “The challenges facing businesses in light of COVID-19 are unparalleled.
“The Scottish Business Cares mentoring programme has been specifically created to offer support and guidance to businesses as they emerge from lockdown and map out their future paths. SMEs are the lifeblood of the Scottish economy and it’s essential that they are given every advantage to ensure their ongoing viability and success.”
At least ten successful entrepreneurs and senior business leaders have agreed to mentor organisations looking to adapt their business in light of the pandemic.
The mentors all have previous economic crisis experience gained during the 2008 financial crash as well as a strong track record of business growth and success. They have also agreed to use their extensive networks to enable introductions that will benefit mentees.
Belinda Roberts continued: “Our team of mentors have demonstrable business expertise and knowledge, which is backed by specialist advice where required, from experts in the fields of investment, legal and financial management as well as grant funding and support from the public sector and governments.
“We are very much looking forward to the mentoring programme making a tangible difference to businesses whilst helping to bolster the Edinburgh economy on the road to recovery.”
The programme will launch later this month with an initial 50 SMEs and grow based on demand and funding availability. To comply with current social distancing guidelines, participants will get a total of 7 hours virtual mentoring from their matched mentor over a period of 6 weeks.
Businesses can also email sbcinfo@sbrcentre.co.uk with any questions.