Equ-All
In March 2020 our team took stock of the impact of the C-19 pandemic lockdown and considered how we are best positioned to support the thousands of affected businesses. The result was the launch of our ‘Business Resilience Service”, carrying the offer of FREE 1:1 mentoring for up to 3 months from a mentor expertly matched to requirement.
In early June we invited testimonials from those who had taken up the service, to help those looking ‘in’ to understand how they too could benefit from mentor support. Yolanda Fuentes of Equ-All was one of the respondents. One aspect of her testimonial is how it serves to illustrate the way Dorset’s business support services work together in the interest of business owners. In this case the team at The Dorset Growth Hub, having understood Yolanda’s situation, recommended she consider requesting a mentor from our program.
“I really do not have enough words to show my appreciation to all the hard work done for me during COVID-19 by the Dorset Business Mentors Resilience program.
I am an adviser working with an interesting side of the law: immigration. I have been doing this for ten years in the UK (and ten years prior to that in Spain) running my own firm for last four. Through this I have provided advice and much more for thousands of migrants at times of uncertainty - like Brexit.
When COVID-19 emerged I found myself in a unique position: 90% of planes were landing everywhere, no one could leave even their houses, much less travelling to other countries and making them the centre of their lives (yet that is what I do: help with immigration!) I did not know what to do, how could I advise others in such a situation? Then Dorset Growth Hub appeared like a hero to the rescue. They recommended the Dorset Business Mentors Resilience program who honoured their title and are helping me to endure this difficult time. They looked over their list of mentors to identify a suitable match for me. The first I spoke to wasn’t quite the fit for me but the second, Roger Donvaband, fits like a glove and feels like a gift from heaven. I am convinced of this!
Roger understood that coming from the charitable sector I wanted to ensure a profitable business on a sustainable model, enabling me to aid more people in the long run. When I felt too much on the edge Roger has focussed me on the target again. We work together amending the website, and he proof reads documents (God knows how many times!). He is helping me to implement ideas, supporting me in getting ready for the time when we get back to the “new normal”. Maybe people will not be able to travel and move as they wish like before, but where is a will is a way and Roger has helped me to be ready for that time!
Many thanks indeed.”
Dorset Business Mentors is a part-funded program operating as a not-for-profit program. All mentors volunteer their time, giving business owners the benefit of their experience without charge. Consequently, all we ask is a contribution of £200+VAT towards our administration costs, in return for up to 12 months 1:1 support from a mentor matched to each business owner’s goals and needs. Currently, we are offering 3 months free of charge without any obligation to renew. If you would like to receive 1:1 support from a mentor matched to your goals and requirements, as Yolanda illustrates, please complete the application form HERE.