FINANCIAL assistance for up to eight Queensland wool producers to undertake the Agri-Business CEO Mentoring Program this year has been announced by the state’s government.

The 12-month CEO Mentoring Program is a joint initiative of Leading Sheep and the Agri-Business Development Institute.

Applications for financial assistance close on February 28, 2017 and successful applicants will be notified by March 6. The mentoring program starts in late March.

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries extension officer Alex Stirton said the program offered producers a unique chance to review their businesses and set some high performing goals.

“Some businesses have just two or three things that are holding them back or aspects of the business need some fine-tuning, this course is invaluable for making a workable plan for the future.

“It is designed to support you through a change process from where the business is now to where you want it to be, particularly with regard to financial management, return on investment, family succession, and markets or customers,” Mr Stirton said.

Mentoring program offers specialist business advice

The mentoring program offers specialist advice on:

• Setting a business up for growth
• Managing succession properly, weather passing on the business to family, setting it up for sale, or attracting an investor
• How to manage people better, including workers and contractors as well as family dynamics
• Managing financial matters, business risk, staff so that the business can run smoothly and without the owner, if needs be
• How to provide a quality product to people who are willing to pay for it

The mentoring program includes three two-day workshops in Brisbane, monthly call-in mentoring sessions and accountability and goal tracking, regular group catch-ups, and training modules based on the ABDI 12 Pillars of Business Best Practice.

“Many wool growers and sheep producers are looking for the next step for themselves and their business.

“They are seeking the support of a mentor to make these steps, and learn from people who have been there before or are going through the same thing,” Mr Stirton said.

“Participants can work out what they want to change, but the value of the mentoring is realised when they have support to follow through and make the changes happen,” he said.

“Participants will also be working in a closed group environment with like-minded producers all looking for a similar change.

“Leading Sheep is excited to be offering financial help to ensure wool and sheep producers stay strong and focused on building a viable, sustainable industry in Queensland.”

Webinar on managing people

Producers can also attend a webinar on February 8 to gain an insight into one of the ABDI program’s twelve pillars of business — managing your people and how to create a high performing team.

This webinar from 12.30-1.30pm AEST will explore some tips for dealing with staff and people issues – to create a highly functioning working environment that required less management and input.  Accredited Franklin Covey “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” presenter Mark McNamee will provide his insights into the process, and how to turn around problem situations.

For more information about the Agribusiness CEO Mentoring program or the Leading Sheep financial assistance, or to apply for the assistance, please visit http://abdi.com.au/12-month-agri-sheep-business-ceo-mentoring-program/ or contact Alex Stirton on (07) 4654 4212. To register for the February 8 webinar click here.

Leading Sheep is a proactive network of Queensland sheep and wool businesses; at the forefront of practical and relevant information and technology to equip progressive and thriving producers for the future. Leading Sheep is a partnership between Australian Wool Innovation and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and supported by AgForce.

Source: Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.