Brains trust
An unofficial Board for your small business.
There are hundreds of reasons why every good business owner should have a group of trusted, close advisers on hand to provide honest and genuine support.
During years of working with business owners, we’ve heard these reasons over and over:
What is a Brains Trust?
Your Brains Trust is a group of five local business owners who understand what it’s like to run a small business. In a confidential and supportive environment, you’ll meet monthly to discuss your wins, losses and challenges.
Each member brings a range of experience and skills to the group, so you’ll be able to share insights, ask questions and talk about what you want to achieve – and most importantly, be held accountable for those goals.
How does it work?
When you’re ready to improve and build your business, and support other local business owners, simply fill in the application form below.
Once we receive your e-mail, you’ll meet with Bryley to go through your answers and talk through your current goals and challenges. You’ll then be matched to other keen business owners (of a similar-sized business) to create a Brains Trust that’s ideally suited to you.
Any more questions? Our FAQs are below. Contact us if you have any further questions.
Be.Bendigo members, you can join your own Brains Trust for $650+GST.
What do I get for this?
- Your own Brains Trust! Four other business owners who are keen to improve their business, as well as yours.
- Tried and tested guidelines and processes to help your Brains Trust succeed.
- A confidential interview to determine what you want from your group in order to be matched with the right people.
- A two-hour business planning session with an experienced facilitator to determine your goals for the year.
- Access to professional development opportunities throughout the year.
Any more questions? Our FAQs are below. Contact us if you have any further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after the 12 months are up?
After the initial 12-month commitment, you can continue with your group for however long you want. (There are groups still working together after 5+ years.)
You may want to invite a new group member; you may want us to help you find them (we may have the right person waiting). You may want to join a new group. Let’s decide at the end of the year.
Can I set up my own Brains Trust?
Sure you can. We’d be happy to work with you and your group to manage guidelines and expectations, so everyone is on the same page.
By joining a Be.Bendigo Brains Trust group, you’ll also have access to other professional development opportunities and business planning sessions throughout your 12-month membership.
What if I don't have my own business yet?
This Brains Trust is for business owners only, although we do have a separate group for managers of larger organisations.
We welcome business owners who are just starting out with their venture, right through to those who have owned and run a business for years. If you’re a part-time business owner, and are willing to commit the time, please apply and we can place you in the right group.
How long is the meeting each month?
For a group of five, around two hours is best to allow everyone to speak.
Finer details will be worked out at your first meeting, guided by our Brains Trust organiser.
How many people would be in my Brains Trust?
There are five members in each group.
We’ve found this is a good number to keep the group intimate while offering a diverse range of businesses, backgrounds and knowledge.
Where will the meetings be held?
The first meeting can be held in the Board Room in the Be.Bendigo office. After that it’s up to your group to decide. We have several suitable places for private meetings if you need help with a location.
Once I register my interest, how long will the process take to start a group?
It will depend on how many people apply/have applied and are waiting to be placed in a group. If we have a waitlist, it may not take long at all. Before you can be placed in a group, you’ll need to complete your interview with Bryley, so you can be matched to the right group.
Is this for Be.Bendigo members only?
Yes, this opportunity is only for Be.Bendigo members.
If you’d like to join a Brains Trust, become a Be.Bendigo member today. Join here.
Who is facilitating this program?
Bryley Savage, from Friendly Savage, has been facilitating brains trust groups since 2018.
Bryley is a local business mentor and brand consultant. In her work she constantly sees the need for this type of support for business owners and has seen businesses (and business owners) flourish with this support.
Some of these groups she has formed are still meeting each month, and some on a yearly basis; it’s such a pleasure to see business owners support each other.
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