Business Mentorship, A Catalyst for Growth

The entrepreneurship journey can often be challenging, marked by uncertainty and steep learning curves. A strong support network can be invaluable in navigating these complexities. This case study explores the transformative impact of mentorship on a local business owner Liam Doherty.

We delve into the experiences of Liam, an entrepreneur who participated in our Business Mentoring Scheme, with his mentor, Nichole Culverwell. Through their partnership, we examine the power of mentorship in accelerating business growth and overcoming obstacles.

Liam's business Apollo, started as a 1:1 mentoring service designed to support the wellbeing of young people by empowering them to pursue activities which they share with a mentor, who acts as a positive role and provides listening support. Apollo has since grown into a youth organisation with 4 staff, adding youth groups and camping trips to its offering. Apollo receives referrals from schools, social services and youth charities, and works hand-in-hand with Guernsey’s public, private and charitable sectors to support Guernsey's young people.

What were your primary business challenges or goals when you joined our business mentoring scheme?

As a ‘solopreneur’, getting on top of all aspects of the business was a challenge. I had every confidence in the service I was providing, however, there were several aspects that were new andcomplicated - legal and compliance, sales and marketing, finance and accounting, and so on.

What were the key areas of focus for you during your mentoring sessions?

Breaking down these bigger areas and Apollo’s wider goals into smaller actionable steps, and then building those steps into my calendar in a realistic way

How would you describe Nichole's mentoring style?

Nichole is sharp, direct and targeted in her approach. She let me vent, sifted through the information and made priorities and actions out of what I offloaded to her

How has the mentoring impacted your business?

Put simply, without Nichole’s mentoring in 2023, Apollo would not be where it is today in 2024.

Can you share specific examples of how Nichole's advice has helped you overcome challenges or achieve milestones?

Nichole had me set a deadline for the launch of Apollo, identifying what needed to be achieved prior to that deadline, and then breaking down those goals further into specific tasks.

We timed this launch with our entry into the Véyaon Awards, in which we were one of three businesses shortlisted for the Entrepreneur for Good Award.

Nichole is methodical in her approach, which I have tried to take forward, stepping back from specific ‘busy’ tasks, looking at the wider picture, and allocating time and resources accordingly.

I have also taken forward the setting of deadlines: having something imminent on the horizon is a real intensifier of workrate. I’ve since set a few optimistic-sounding deadlines which we have made happen

What were the most valuable aspects of the mentoring relationship?

Organisational rigour, first and foremost.

Putting my ideas and operations into business language, which was new to me at the time.

What felt most valuable at the time was the moral support Nichole offered. It was tough starting out, I forget how tough. Nichole has been there and got the t-shirt, and helped to put things into perspective for me.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering a mentor?

Stop umm-ing and ahh-ing and sign up, if you are serious about advancing your business.

How has the mentoring experience influenced your approach to business?

I have a bigger-picture view when approaching a task or project; more methodical in my approach.

If something feels too big, I ‘do a Nichole’, and segment the goals, sometimes physically printing them off to keep them in view, and break them down into small actionable steps.

It was an absolute pleasure working with Nichole. It is a beautiful thing to have such a supportive and involved business community here in Guernsey, a ‘you thrive, we thrive’ mentality which helps budding entrepreneurs start out and add value to our island.

The mentoring scheme is a great example of that: experienced and all-too-busy businesspeople such as Nichole freely giving their time, effort and experience to help the next generation of entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

I am very grateful to the Digital Greenhouse and Nichole Culverwell for helping to bring mine to life.