The program was delivered by the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association (spba) and attracted young professionals from professional industries who are both employees and who own their own business.

The program combined one on one mentoring with Knowledge roundtables (intensive skills sessions) and began in March 2014.

It will finish with graduation at the spba Gala Dinner on Saturday, September 6.

The program was delivered by business consultant and conflict coach, Rhonda McGuire, who noted the program was successful in growing mentorees’ skills, confidence and learning and for mentors in increasing their business networks and connections as well as knowledge and skills.

“Feedback from the program was very positive, with participants gaining increased personal confidence, knowledge and skills and greater connections and networks widely among Shoalhaven professionals and young professionals,” she said.  

Ms McGuire said that the program was about self-development with participants setting the agenda for the program to achieve personal and professional goals. 

“Some of the changes our participants made since being on the program included significant breakthroughs in understanding of themselves and how they operate their business; completion of a business plan on aspects of their business; positive attitude gains, greater skills and confidence in organisation, leadership, management and time management. Young professionals on the program said they gained outcomes bigger and broader than what they had thought.”