Resources for small businesses in Rural Georgia.

Whether you define rural by the size of a community or the lifestyle, many of Georgia’s communities fit into some version of rural.

According to Georgia’s Rural Center, rural is a designation for counties with populations less than 50,000. Out of the 159 counties in Georgia, this accounts for 120 designated a rural or approximately 75%. Many of these rural zones being in the southern half of the state.

For those who choose to live, learn or build businesses in rural areas, there is an appreciation for the quality of life and advantages that may not be available in metro counterparts. However, smaller populations can have a multiplying effect on the greatest challenges any small business owner faces – access to customers, capital, and talent.

In this three-part series, our team is sharing solutions for rural Georgia businesses to reduce those barriers and support their growth – no matter their zip code.

Part Two: Mentoring

Connecting your small business to a mentor not only expands your professional network but can improve the outcomes of your firm’s success. Research has shown us that small businesses that receive mentoring early in the development of the business achieve higher revenues and increased business growth.

In fact, a survey from the UPS Store reported that 70 percent of small businesses that received mentoring survived more than five years – double the survival rate of non-mentored businesses. The same survey found that 88 percent of business owners with a mentor said that having one was invaluable (source: sba.gov).

How can a mentor help my small business?

Mentors are available to support you through a variety of business challenges and opportunities – from startup to succession planning.

Volunteer mentor networks often include professional service providers who donate their time to help small businesses with specialized functions such as legal forms, accounting, or marketing.

Often you will find former business owners who mentor to give back to their community and help new entrepreneurs navigate complex business issues such as expanding or selling a business.

What makes a good mentor relationship?

When deciding to collaborate with a mentor there are some tips to keep in mind. Mentor/Mentees are relationships that develop over time and require trust. It’s an investment by both parties, so setting expectations early is essential for its long-term success.

  • Find a mentor – Your mentor should be based on skills and expertise that you are seeking to grow. Today, many mentors are available to meet virtually, allowing you to expand your mentor pool out of your community.
  • Ask questions – When evaluating a potential mentor, don’t hesitate to ask the questions that are important to your business goals. Taking this step early can ensure that their skills, experience, and qualifications are a compliment to your business.
  • Build trust – A good mentor should not pressure you to buy or sell any services that they may provide. The mentee should also not expect their mentor to purchase from their business. This is a relationship based on knowledge exchange.
  • Set expectations – Establishing the frequency of meetings, how feedback will be provided, and basic contact preferences are important steps in your first few meetings.
  • Be open to feedback – A good mentor should ask you a lot of questions about decisions you make in your business. They should also be generous with sharing their experience and recommendations for you to consider. While you certainly don’t have to implement their feedback, it’s important to show you’re willing to try innovative approaches to problems faced as an entrepreneur.
  • Provide feedback – Volunteer mentors appreciate knowing when a suggestion or idea helps your business or why something didn’t work. Providing feedback helps strengthen the relationship over time.

Ready to connect?

You may already have a potential mentor in your community ready to help, but seeking mentors from outside your region is another great way to grow your business’ reach. This also provides you and your business a different viewpoint from outside your town and city limits.

Connecting with regional Chambers of Commerce is one way to meet potential mentors. Browse their business directory or attend a mixer or leadership event to find an entrepreneur or leader that fits your needs.

The Small Business Administration offers several sources of mentoring and counseling that include:

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