The Mentor Academy, Reading Business Club’s initiative to give business owners the benefit of its members’ expertise for six months, is open to applicants.

If you have a start-up business idea but are unclear about how to progress it, or have already set up a business but need expert advice on how to move forward, then you could benefit from the Mentor Academy’s programme.

Each mentoring placement lasts six months during which the successful applicant enjoys advice and support across a range of business disciplines from members of the Reading Business Club, each of them with many years’ experience of managing their own small business.

The Mentor Academy opened its doors in January 2007 since when two local businesses – L P Bennett Building and Brickwork and petroleum fluids consultancy Petrophase – have completed the programme. Caroline Edwards of  Love2Read in Henley is 2008's current mentee.

Applications are invited for the next mentoring programme, which is due to start in July 2008. Details may be downloaded here. The final date for the receipt of applications will be announced shortly.

Read what past mentees have said about their experience of the Mentor Academy:

'Thanks to the Mentor Academy we've been put in touch with professionals who can shine a light where it's needed.' Les Bennett, LP Bennett Building and Brickwork

'The techniques and the useful contacts I made help in the running of the business. I now have a business plan! But also I find I have much greater confidence in running the business and am less worried about the future; whatever happens I feel I can deal with it.' Brian Moffatt, Petrophase