Mid-Western Mentoring
Important dates to remember
Applications open until early April 2026
Mentors and Mentees matched in mid – April 2026
Kick off-training and introductions – after Easter 2026
Program Graduation – mid December 2026
About
Mid-Western Mentoring
The Mid-Western Mentoring program is a 9-month leadership program that is framed by sessions focused on Business Strategy, Marketing, Finance, HR, Tech, AI and Legal aspects of operating a small business – delivered largely by local specialists. The associated 1:1 Mentoring conversations happen monthly (March-November) as well a host of opportunities to collaborate and network in the form of ‘Fireside Chats’ and ‘Mentee Learning Circles’. A Graduation Ceremony wraps the program.
All participants will also receive 1:1 Coaching from Founder / Program Manager and certified Coach, Dr Pearl Daly-Swords.
How it works
Step 1 Application
This program is offered only to those who reside within the Mid-Western NSW Region.
You can choose to apply as:
- A small business owner ($1500)
- A recognised leader within a small-medium business ($1500)
Step 2 The Matching Process
Key matching criteria:
- Years of business / professional experience
- Participant’s preference of areas for mentoring
- Industry preference
Whilst every effort is made to match participants based on their preferences, it is not always possible to get everything from the one mentor.
Step 3 Induction and Business Training
The training will be role focused for mentees and mentors to understand the program structure and what to expect from each role.
The program is also framed by 7 sessions focused on Business Strategy, Marketing, Finance, HR, Tech, AI and Legal aspects of operating a small business – delivered largely by local specialists.
Step 4 Contact between Mentoring pairs
For the initial meeting it is the mentee’s responsibility to make contact with their mentor within one week of receiving their mentor’s contact details; and the mentor is expected to respond within 48 hours of being contacted.
Should any issues arise around contact (or lack thereof) you are advised to contact pearl@mwmentoring.com.au
Mentee Responsibilities
- Drive the mentoring relationship and give your mentor direction about what you want from the program and be responsible for booking meetings and catch-ups.
- Respect your mentor’s time and also your own. Make sure you give this program your full attention and devote enough time to achieve the outcomes you are seeking.
- Do the training provided. It will help you.
- Prepare for your meetings if you want to maximise the experience.
- Read and abide by the Code of Conduct.
- Respond to your mentor and the Program Manager in a timely manner.
- Complete the short surveys sent to you.
- Advise the Program Manager immediately if there are problems or you cannot fulfil your responsibilities.
Mentor Responsibilities
- It is a wonderful program which the Mudgee community is very lucky to have. Thank you for the opportunity.
- Enjoyed the opportunity to support an up-and-coming business, mentor/mentee sessions were fab – lots of energy and creativity flowing
- Really great for connecting with other business owners and leaders, being able to share experience with others and contribute in a small way to someone else’s journey.
- I thought the Coaching was really helpful, in particular learning about my leadership style through PRISM
- Opportunity to connect with other business owners in the local region and a framework of mentoring was helpful.
Program Endorsement
“My Mentor’s business success drives my energy. Great feedback and insights are shared. We were matched really well. I send an email ahead of our planned session stating what I want to get out of the conversation and what I have completed since our last catch-up”.
“My Mentor is very strategically-minded and creative yet is also strong operationally with a great business-minded approach – all that has worked really well”
“It’s great knowing that someone’s in my corner. My Mentor provided a lot of insight into marketing – which has been great. Observing what my Mentor does has also been a great learning and provides additional perspective. The relationship makes me commit to taking more action – it’s been really inspirational”
“It is so good that I can be completely relaxed with my Mentor and there’s no judgement. Has helped me with confidence-building in a business context. It makes me accountable, which is great. We message between sessions which is also great. My Mentor is very inspiring – shares openly and doesn’t hold back”
“Met other great business owners, built friendships with other mentees and business owners Got inspired by others in the program. Learned to step outside of my comfort zone..”
“The program has a great mix of personal and professional growth opportunities. Doing the program alongside other mentees and being in the same space as accomplished business owners who are willing to share their experiences, knowledge and support is priceless. The structured and supportive environment of the program really helped me make the most of this opportunity. I have come away from this program with much more knowledge and confidence. I have created friendships with people I otherwise might not have met and now have a support system that will be there long after the program is finished”
“A great experience, working alongside like-minded individuals, and able to gain advice, perspective and support from all involved!”
“I loved it. I had not networked very well before the program and I love networking. So, meeting and getting to know or know better other professionals and sharing stories and learning through that was a highlight”