CDI – Small Business Development Project 3 is initiated and funded by BP and its partners in Georgian Pipeline Company. The project involves several learning components among which the mentorship is of particular importance. The mentorship implies cooperation of the more experienced entrepreneurs with their novice colleagues. As distinguished from training it is a long term process aimed not only at skills upgrading but also at motivating of the startups, setting out their vision and transforming business approaches.
The project makes extensive use of the potential of the microbusinesses supported within the previous phases who had proven themselves effective both from the standpoint of professional and human qualities and who had been good in motivating people. This year seven project mentors had meetings with fourteen beneficiaries. At first the startup entrepreneurs visited the mentors at their sites and got acquainted with the operation processes and received answers to their questions. Then the mentors visited beginner colleagues, gave a look over their microenterprises and provided practical recommendations.
The startup businesses highly appreciated cooperation with the mentors, eleven out of them already implemented mentors’ advice. It should be mentioned that these relations are useful not only for the startup businesses but also for the mentors who broaden their social ties, enhance own knowledge and self-esteem through this process. Informal and even friendly relationship is often established between the mentors and the beneficiaries which continue after the completion of the project.
The mentors work hard on themselves, get acquainted with the news in their professional field, broaden business contacts. For example, a few days ago the project mentor Mamuka Imnadze from Gvimbalauri village (Lanchkhuti) participated in one of the regional beekeeping fairs where the beekeepers from all over West Georgia were presented. Two beekeepers from Zestaponi supported within the previous phase of the project also participated in this fair.
The beneficiaries express their gratitude towards the mentors. “The recommendations of my mentor, Mrs. Lela Kechakmadze were really handy for me,” says Irina Geladze from Guleikari (Abasha). She started a pastry shop via the project support. “Lela has been a great help in deepening my professional knowledge. I want to thank the project and BP not only for being funding but also for meeting many wonderful people.”