What mentoring is about?

Throughout the Uk there are many different business start-up support schemes enabling new entrepreneurs to work a-long-side experienced professionals in order to develop their business expertise. These programmes run for varying lengths of time and start at different points of an individual’s business development and they allow the beneficiary to benefit from one-to-one access to inexperienced and knowledgeable business source.

In the experience of those of us involved with BBACT, long-term support and encouragement is vital if an individual starting up a new business is to have the maximum chance of success. But most help is only available during the very early stages of a new business and often, it’s when a few months have past that it starts to get tough, when it’s very easy to become disillusioned and lose heart.

BBACT Business Buddies

All business start-ups will face barriers and obstacles but blind and partially sighted entrepreneurs face very specific problems relating to their disability, which require specialist solutions that are more likely to be familiar to visually impaired rather than sighted business owners. These can be as simple as a complimentary therapist finding the easiest way to measure drops of oil to an actress needing to learn how to keep their financial accounts or an IT consultant finding the best way to market themselves within their local community.

BBACT has therefore established a Business Buddy programme where individuals can benefit from the support and encouragement of an experienced Blind or partially sighted person  who has experience of running their own business and will be able to help with issues relating to business ownership for someone with sight loss.

Our Business Buddies

Business Buddies come from all over the UK and have a broad range of different business backgrounds. They  are part of a growing network of active entrepreneurs who regularly share ideas and support each other.

When pairing individuals with a Business Buddy, we seek to ensure that the relationship is of benefit and interest to both parties. Being able to pass on some of the knowledge and skills gained through running a business can be a very satisfying experience and having the opportunity to make a real difference to someone’s life is incredibly rewarding.

Could you become a BBACT Business Buddy?

If you run your own business and would like to help someone else, this is one way in which you can. All you will need is some time, your personal business experience, enthusiasm and a desire to help.

BBACT is always pleased to hear from people who might be interested in becoming part of our growing network of entrepreneurs and if you would like to find out more then do contact us so we can explore the idea further.