A confidential mentoring service backed by South Australia’s Chief Entrepreneur has been launched to support the state’s startups and scaleups through the impacts of COVID-19.

The Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said many South Australian startups were doing it tough and were significantly impacted by the pandemic, and the necessary trade, travel and social gathering restrictions imposed to help limit its spread.

“Under our entrepreneurship strategy, FIXE, this new program will confidentially match SA startups with a business mentor, where they’ll receive unbiased insights and advice to help them navigate through these uncertain times,” Minister Pisoni said.

“There are many mentor programs and resources available to small businesses, but this is something specific for startups and scaleups in South Australia.”

South Australia’s Chief Entrepreneur Jim Whalley said it was important that he and his office continue talking to startups to understand the types of issues and challenges they are currently facing.

“At this time, people are needing to make critical business decisions, and for a startup this can be a challenge and sometimes quite overwhelming,” Mr Whalley said.

“The way we respond to this economic emergency will determine how big the impact is and the speed at which we recover.

“We must work together, big businesses, small businesses and government – we need to ensure that we put our community first.

“I urge big businesses to consider South Australian startups and small businesses in your decisions and check in with your suppliers to see how we can continue to work together so we all get to the other side in the best possible position.

“To small businesses, my advice is to manage your cash flow, refer to your continuity plans, be good to your people and take advantage of the assistance that’s on the table.

“I’ve been very proud of how our state’s business leaders have come forward to help, to lend a hand and volunteer their time and expertise in these uncertain times, and it’s been pleasing to see how the Marshall Government has responded with immediate stimulus and support for businesses, along with the Commonwealth.”

Registered South Australian startups or scaleup business that are less than 10 years old and have an annual turnover of less than $10 million per annum are encouraged to register their interest at the FIXE website here.  

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