Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you choose the Mentorees and Mentors?

Mentorees and Mentors who apply to enter the program are carefully considered based on the criteria of the program, which is outlined on the Application Form.

2. How do I get matched to my Mentor?

Mentorees are matched to Mentors who have expertise that matches the Mentoree’s course objectives and who are in a non-conflicting industry to that of the Mentoree.

3. Why is there an age limit on the MentorNet program?
The Australian Government as part of its Small Business Entrepreneurship Program (SBEP) provided the funding to develop the program to the Australian Businesswomen’s Network. To be eligible, the contract for the program stated that the Australian Businesswomen's Network was required to develop a program to assist young women in business, a segment of the market that the government felt needed to be targeted. If you do fall out of the age specification (36 years or older), you will still be able to participate, however first preference will be given to those 35 and younger.

4. How do I interact with my Mentor if I can’t see them?
The program allows each Mentoree to interact with the Mentor and other Mentorees in the group from all over Australia via a collaborative web session, where each participant can place their profile on their work-space for authorised view. You will still be able to phone/email or meet with your Mentor if you so wish by mutual agreement, however the program allows effective communication via the various online collaborative and webinar channels.

5. What is a Webinar?

Short for Web-based seminar, a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web.
 A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements - the ability to give, receive and discuss information. The technology in use is leading edge.

6. How long does the program run for? 

The program operates over a six-month period. The structure of the program runs over a 26-week period with a two-week break in the middle. Each week at the same time on the same day, Mentorees will participate in a Webinar or a Mentoring session with their Mentors. Mentors are welcome to participate in the Webinars however it is not essential.

7. Do I need to know a lot about computer technology to participate in this program?
No. Basic knowledge of computer applications will suffice. There is no need for any elaborate computer systems. As long as you have access to the Internet, you will be able to participate.

8. How do I know the Mentor will suit me?

Mentors apply and are selected through a criterion-based application. Mentors will be in business or will have been in a successful business for a minimum of five years. Each Mentor is chosen based on his/her expertise and matched against the Mentorees' objectives outlined in their Application Form.
 Mentors enter into a signed confidentiality agreement to address privacy, conflict and business sensitive issues.

9. What is the benefit in participating in this program? Do I get a qualification?
The program is designed to provide you with your very own 'blueprint' of your business in the form of a business plan, tailored to your actual business, that you can put into place immediately - in fact, as the program is running. The delivery of the program provides you with enriched business training, interactive group collaboration, thus building business knowledge, business relationships and networking opportunities. The Australian Businesswomen's Network is not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and cannot provide accreditation for this program. As an entrepreneur though, the emphasis is on success, not on qualifications. If it is a qualification that you are in need of, we recommend that you attend a formal learning institution.

10. What is the cost of this program?
The program has been subsidised by the Australian Government and the fees are reduced to $850.00 + GST per qualifying Mentoree for the six-month program. The full price of the program is $1,700.00 +GST.

11. Do I need to be a Member of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network to participate in this program?

We recommend membership as part of your ongoing training and development. Membership is not a pre-requisite for entry into the program, however members will be given preference when filling places in this program.


Here are some of the great benefits of joining the Australian Businesswomen’s Network:

• You will enjoy access to articles on the ABN website
  
• Subscription to the Women in Business eNewsletter published bi-monthly
  
• Case studies featured in ABN publications
  
• Media opportunities through the ABN
  
• Opportunities to participate in other workshops and teleconferences which are not part of this program, but held by the ABN in your local area
  
• Access to the community of 10,000 women across Australia

12. Will I ever need to travel to meet anyone in this program?
No. The program is delivered via the Internet and will operate from your computer wherever you are in Australia. By all means you can communicate to other participants in the program face to face, but this won't be required for the delivery of the program.

13. What if I only have dial-up Internet connection?

You will still be able to participate in the program, however you will need a separate phone line to participate in the teleconference component. So, at minimum, two phone lines are required. One phone line and a high-speed internet connection will also work.

14. What is involved to become a Mentor/ Mentoree?

MentorNet is designed for young women (aged 18 to 35) currently operating their own business. Mentorees will develop, design and implement a business plan over the six-month period, through powerful advanced learning technologies, with essential business based content, tailored to their own business that can be put into action on completion of the program and beyond. Note: While preference will be given to women within the above age range, we encourage women of all ages to apply.

Download a Mentoree Application Form

Mentors may be men or women who have owned and operated their business for a minimum of five (5) years in Australia. Mentors can be located nationally, even globally. Each Mentor will support four Mentorees through the program. Application forms can be downloaded from here.

Download a Mentor Application Form

15. What are the dates/ times of the program?
Dates for the next program can be found by clicking the Schedule tab near the top of this page.