Login

If you require support accessing the website, please contact [email protected]

Forgot password
Growing Kent & Medway logo

Mentoring

Make business aspirations a reality with our free mentoring support. 

We are offering;

  • Up to 12 hours of free one-on-one mentoring
  • Group peer network sessions
  • Support to apply for grant funding
  • Access to world-leading research facilities and experts

Our inclusive programme is open to a wide range of people. Whether you’re self-employed or leading a successful SME. If you’re new to mentoring, or have experienced the benefits of one-on-one mentoring in the past, we will support you to help your business to grow. 

The programme is designed to support people working in fresh food and drink on a wide range of areas, from getting started, market research, sales, people management, finance or legal, through to supply chain development or marketing strategies.

Is mentoring right for me?

You could be an existing SME business, or not have a business yet at all.

We will match you with carefully selected mentors, who have the skills and industry experience to support your business growth.

From the start, you’ll be working with your mentor to decide together on what you want to achieve and the support you need to get there.

Applications are open to people working in fresh food and drink, who are based in Kent or Medway and who have not received more than £200,000 in public funds over the last 3 fiscal years.

Apply here!

If you'd like to find out more about how we can support you, get in touch using our contact form

Meet our mentors

Search our incredible team of experienced industry mentors, here to support you.

Could you be a mentor?

We are seeking mentors who share our vision for an exciting sustainable region, which is home to world-leading talent and innovative food and drink businesses.

Deborah Turner

Consultant, Deborah Turner Ltd

Ask me about business development
Nobin Baby

MSc Logistics & Supply Chain, KBS

Ask me about supply chains and logistics
AJ Sharp

Founder and CEO, Sharp Relations Ltd

Ask me about marketing & sales

Sign up for Mentoring

Fill out a form and our team will be in touch to help find a mentor to help you achieve your business goals

About our mentors

To become a Growing Kent & Medway mentor you need to;

• Want to make a difference
• Be passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals
• Be prepared to share your experiences and networks
• Act as a positive role model
• Have good listening skills and be easy to talk to
• Be committed, reliable and maintain confidentiality

Mentors will be matched with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, supporting start-ups or established businesses. We are looking for people with a wide-range of experience and knowledge.

Full training will be provided and you will be supported throughout the programme.

Why become a mentor? 

Being a mentor is a rewarding experience. By joining our mentoring programme, you will have a voice in the future of the food and drink sector in the region.

It will give you access to world-class expertise and facilities and help to grow your network with innovative businesses.

Interested? We'd love to hear from you. Apply here!

If you have any questions about becoming a mentor, please get in touch using our form.

Mentoring news and inspiration

Read more news features
Mentoring Matches: Building confidence to take risks

Business support

Wye Wholefoods founders explain how their mentor has given them the confidence to make difficult decisions and take risks to help grow their business.

How to go from kitchen table recipe to profitable business

Business support

To help you on that journey to success, here are our top tips to help turn your business idea into a reality.

A net-zero Christmas pudding

Business support

A traditional Victorian-style Christmas Pudding recipe has been given a modern, eco-upgrade. Read how Frasers has grown sales of the festive dessert.

Food marketing: How to reach different generations

Business support

How do different generations choose food and drink brands? How can you adapt your brand and marketing strategy to appeal to your target consumers?

  • Speak to a mentor

    Mentoring Team

    Our mentor for ‘speciality area’ can answer any questions you have via the contact form…

    Mentoring Team

Please use the form below to contact us

Get in touch to find out more about this research facility

Get in touch to find out more about this research project

Send an enquiry about this listing

By registering your details you will be sending us your Personal Data. To read how we handle your data please follow this link to read our Privacy Notice: Privacy Notice