TOWN COUNCIL PARtnerS WITH thE HArpENDEN COLLECTIVE To LAUNCH HArPENDEN bUSINESS MENTORING PROGRAMME

Harpenden Town Council together with The Harpenden Collective, officially launched their Business Mentoring Programme at the Harpenden Business Forum last week. The Programme aims to connect mentors and mentees and forms part of the Town Council’s objective to support local independent businesses and economic prosperity in the town.

The Business Mentoring Programme offers a tailored approach to the local business community: joining experienced professionals ready to share their knowledge and keen to help shape the future of the town’s economy, with local business owners and individuals who seek support to grow their business, overcome challenges and gain competitive advantage.

The Town Council’s partnership with The Harpenden Collective was formed in 2024 as a collaboration supporting local businesses and individuals. Following a successful Business Mentoring seminar last July (hosted by the Town Council with The Association of Business Mentors, The Harpenden Collective and Hertfordshire Institute of Directors) there was a clear and positive appetite for a local mentoring programme. Since then, we have been working closely with local business stakeholders to develop and shape this initiative.

Natalie Harmer, Co-founder The Harpenden Collective , said “At The Harpenden Collective, connection and collaboration sit at the heart of everything we do. Through our coworking space, lounge, meeting rooms and events programme, we see organic relationships forming every day. It’s a real pleasure to strengthen that connectivity by introducing a clearer pathway and mentoring route, making it even easier for businesses and individuals to access the support and opportunities around them.”

Applications are now open, and interested parties are encouraged to apply for their place in the Programme via The Harpenden Collective website: www.theharpendencollective.co.uk  Applications will be assessed in order to form appropriate and effective mentor / mentee partnerships and Town Council funded places are available.

Cllr Beth Fisher, Mayor of Harpenden, said “One of the Town Council's priorities is to help local businesses thrive and we are very pleased to be working in partnership with The Harpenden Collective to achieve our mutual ambitions. Our Business Mentoring Programme will bring enormous benefits to the local economy and we are already seeing relationships with local businesses develop, new ideas forming and successful support stemming from our recent Business Forum and Mentoring seminars. The breadth of local talent and business acumen within Harpenden is so impressive and to be able to draw upon this is an incredible opportunity.”

What can mentors and mentees expect?

Mentors can expect training and support to fine tune their coaching skills, enabling their own professional development and an opportunity to make an impact on local business. Drawing on the wealth of expertise and experience from those who may wish to share knowledge and give something back to the community, it is the hope of the partnership that this exciting and unique scheme becomes a key part of the growth and vitality of many of Harpenden’s independent businesses.

Potential Mentees from the local area are invited to apply for a place in the Programme. This is an ideal opportunity for any individuals who seeks to grow their business, whether a start-up navigating early challenges or an established company aiming for the next level. Working with a mentor can provide invaluable insight, strategic advice and support to achieve their ambitions.

The Business Mentoring Programme is just one part of the work that the Town Council does to support Harpenden businesses. Local businesses and individuals are also warmly invited to join the Harpenden Town Council Business Forum which meets to discuss and take action on local business issues. Further information is available on their website: www.harpenden.gov.uk

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