Have you been successful in a particular sector and are on the lookout for your next big challenge?

Are you a successful business builder or leader who's ready to share what you've learned with Australia's aspiring entrepreneurs?

Are you an expert in your field of technology with an interest in commercialisation activity in Australia?

If you answered "YES" to any of the above questions then you may be an ideal candidate to join Commercialisation Australia's Volunteer Business Mentor ("VBM") network.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for people who are willing to pass on some of the wealth of knowledge and experience that has led to their own success in order to support the success of others.

We are keen to hear from individuals who:

·         are proven business people with hands-on experience in successfully commercialising (i.e. taking to market and selling) a new, innovative product, process or service and have a very good appreciation of the challenges of the commercialisation process

·         are active venture capitalists, business angels, or private investors focused on investing in early stage ventures

·         have extensive hands-on experience in building and/or selling a business and attracting seed and growth funding

·         are expert in their specific technology field

·         have domain expertise, experience or qualifications across a range of areas (i.e. business administration, technology fields, industries, science)

·         have domestic and international networks in their areas of expertise 

·         have a genuine interest in helping researchers, individuals and innovative companies commercialise new IP

·         have the capacity to provide mentoring support to participants in the CA program

What is the role of a VBM?

Volunteer Business Mentors complement the assistance provided by Commercialisation Australia Case Managers.  They offer vital knowledge, insights, business connections and domain expertise gained through their own experiences to help participants:

·         identify appropriate options or solutions to address hurdles they have encountered in taking their product, process or service to market

·         better understand the commercialisation process, including difficulties commonly faced by entrepreneurs, researchers or businesses new to commercialisation activity

·         develop valuable business networks.

Commercialisation Australia Volunteer Business Mentors do not provide professional advice regarding investment, financial, legal or taxation matters.

We are building a network of high quality business and innovation professionals. As a Commercialisation Australia VBM you will contribute to the commercialisation ecosystem in Australia through sharing your experiences and knowledge.

Membership of the network offers many and varied benefits to the Volunteer Business Mentor.  Principally it is an acknowledgement of your exceptional experience and skills and your position as an expert in your nominated field.  Additional benefits include:

·         opportunities to engage with a selection of the best early stage, innovative businesses in Australia

·         a mechanism for successful business builders to share their experiences and insights with Australia's aspiring entrepreneurs

·         maintaining currency with emerging trends and/or new business models

·         opportunities to network with high calibre mentors for peer learning and knowledge sharing

·         opportunities to selectively invest in early stage, high growth companies

Commercialisation Australia supports our mentors by covering reasonable costs for travel and associated expenses.

What’s involved in signing up?

On joining as a Commercialisation Australia Volunteer Business Mentor, you will be required to sign a Deed with the Commonwealth by which you agree to act ethically and respect confidentiality of information. A copy of the Deed will be available on the website soon.

Only Commercialisation Australia participants, who have been successful in the application process, are able to access Volunteer Business Mentors. Participants are required to sign a Deed as part of their Funding Agreement (Schedule 3) by which they agree to indemnify the Volunteer Business Mentor and Commercialisation Australia against any claim resulting from any activity or actions taken by the successful applicant. A copy of the Commercialisation Australia Funding Agreement is available on the Funding Agreement Page.

Volunteer Business Mentors will also be provided with comprehensive training and Mentor Guidelines before they take up mentoring assignments.  

How do I Apply?

To become a Volunteer Business Mentor, please complete the Expression of Interest form* available here.

Please note that individuals submitting Expressions of Interest will undergo a screening process. Applicants will be contacted in writing to advise them of the outcome of their application.

If you encounter any difficulties in completing or submitting the Expression of Interest form, or would like any further information in relation to the Volunteer Business Mentor Program, please contact Commercialisation Australia at CA.Mentors@innovation.gov.au or call the Commercialisation Australia Hotline on 13 22 56.

*Commercialisation Australia will use the information provided in the Expression of Interest form to assess and register mentors for the Volunteer Business Mentor Program, to prepare a mentor profile in the Commercialisation Australia volunteer mentor database and for the administration of the Commercialisation Australia Program.

Your information may be disclosed within Commercialisation Australia and its staff, including Commercialisation Australia Case Managers and within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research for the purposes of administering Commercialisation Australia. It may also be disclosed as permitted or required by law, or in response to questions posed by the Minister, Parliament or its committees.