Bromley start-ups and small firms can get a free volunteer mentor for six months, at 2 to 3 hours a month. Mentors are wanted too. How to apply.

Small businesses in the borough can now be paired with an experienced volunteer mentor for six months, free of charge.

The Volunteer Business Mentor Scheme is run by Opportunity Bromley in partnership with Bromley Council. The council announced it on Tuesday 27 October. Opportunity Bromley is also looking for people to volunteer as mentors.

Source: Bromley Council, 27 October 2026 and Opportunity Bromley’s scheme page.

How it works

  • Cost: free for the business. Mentors are volunteers.
  • Time: about 2 to 3 hours a month, for six months.
  • Matching: you register interest, and Opportunity Bromley matches mentors with businesses.
  • Extras: participants also get access to Opportunity Bromley’s wider business support and networking.

Who can get a mentor

Opportunity Bromley says the scheme is open to:

  • start-ups
  • sole traders
  • small and medium-sized businesses
  • social enterprises
  • community businesses

Mentoring covers business planning, sales and marketing, finance and cashflow, leadership and management, growth and expansion, and building networks.

Who can be a mentor

The organisers want business owners and directors, entrepreneurs, and retired professionals. They also want specialists in finance, HR, law, marketing and technology. Opportunity Bromley says mentors can gain mentoring and leadership skills, with “opportunities for certification”.

Councillor Yvonne Bear, the council’s executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing, said that “the right advice at the right time can make all the difference.”

What it means for you

If you run a small business in the borough and want a second opinion on cashflow, pricing or growing, this costs nothing but a few hours a month.

To apply as a business or a mentor:

Neither the council nor Opportunity Bromley has published a closing date or a limit on places.