Small business mentoring in an international context: a preliminary study

This paper presents the findings of a preliminary study of owner/managers of small family owned businesses in rural and regional areas of Australia. The lack of communication in relation to opportunities to participate in developmental programs offered by Commonwealth Government bodies and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to small business in rural and regional areas was found to be minimal. Recommendations were made that a regional mentoring program be established to facilitate access to the global market place by small business.