FAQs

Here are some standard questions we get asked about our services.

About Business Advisor Network?

Is Business Advisor Network non profit?

Yes, Business Advisor Network is a not for profit organization (actually called a Company Limited by Guarantee) and has no shareholders, pays no dividends and does not distribute profits.

Is Business Advisor Network a charity?

No, Business Advisor Network is not a charity (as defined by the Australian Taxation Office) and donations are not tax deductible but it is required to be audited each year to ensure that it operates as a not for profit organization.

Partner and Sponsors of Business Advisor Network

Why do the partners and sponsors support the Network?

The partners and sponsors are typically providers of goods or services to the small business community.  Helping small business is very important to their own survival and prosperity and the Network provides them with the opportunity to contribute something back to small business.

Advisor Meetings

If I do decide to get further assistance, do I have to arrange that through BANet?

No.  After the initial meeting you deal directly with your advisor who operates as commercially independent business advisor. The role of BANet is purely to facilitate the initial meeting and review with an advisor - we are just the matchmakers!

How much time will I need for my initial meeting?

We suggest that you block out at least two hours in your diary for the initial meeting with the advisor. That may sound like a long time, but you will be surprised how quickly time flies once you get into the in depth discussions that typically occur.

What happens after the first meeting?

That is up to you and the advisor you meet with, our role is to put you in contact with an advisor and facilitate the initial meeting.  At the end of first meeting the advisor will be in a position to make some suggestions and recommendations about what further assistance you may need and give you an idea of any likely costs.

How do i get help if i don't have a voucher

If you do not hold a voucher, a number of advisors donate their time to help businesses each month, however their availability is limited.  A number of Bank Managers and Accountants have vouchers and you can quote their voucher number.  If all else fails you can use the number 999999 to generate a call back from a BANet duty Advisor, but this is subject to their workload.

Am I obliged to purchase further products or services from the advisor or BANet?

At your initial free meeting you will have an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing your business with a skilled advisor.  There is no obligation to purchase anything from the advisor or BANet. We hope though that by the end of your initial meeting you will have a better understanding of the key issues and opportunities for your business. You may wish to implement these yourself or ask the advisor to assist you further with whatever needs may have been identified during your initial discussion.

What about confidentiality?

The advisor will provide a signed confidentiality undertaking, and whatever you choose to discuss with your advisor will remain commercially confidential between you. Your advisor will not discuss or disclose anything to BANet or any third party without your knowledge. All advisors are accredited by the Institute for Independent Business, and as such are bound by a strict code of ethics and professional conduct .

Can you arrange for me to meet an advisor who knows my business or industry?

We will try to match you with an Advisor who is in a position to assist you, that's why we ask a few questions on the on-line registration form, but clearly we can't guarantee to provide an expert on every single industry.

In fact it can be more beneficial to talk to an advisor who is NOT too closely connected with your industry.  Sometimes it takes an outsider to spot things that those already in the business or industry tend to take for granted or simply don't see.

In all cases the advisor allocated to you will be an experienced and mature business person with access to a network of skilled advisors from virtually all industries and disciplines.  We prefer the word 'mature', as most advisors don't like to be called 'old', but it's fair to say that most have a few grey hairs, and sometimes no hair at all :)

Ultimately, if specialist knowledge of your particular industry is required to assist you, then your advisor will be able to call on an international network of some 5000 accredited senior business executives via your advisor's link with the Institute for Independent Business.  All BANet advisors are accredited to this powerful network of senior executives who come from every conceivable background in business - in short, if your advisor does not know the answer, then they can almost certainly locate a fellow associate who does!