Wyndham City is proud to introduce the IGNITE Wyndham Business Mentoring Program, an initiative designed to match new and emerging Wyndham-based business owners with experienced business leaders who are passionate about sharing their own lived experience of starting, running, and growing a business.
The Program was piloted earlier this year and the results speak for themselves - 100% of mentees rated their overall experience 7/10 or higher and 100% would recommend the program to other business owners.
For any questions, please reach out to the Economic Development Team at business@wyndham.vic.gov.au or call 9742 8170.
What is Mentoring and Why is it Important?
Running a business can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. Having a mentor means having someone who’s been there before, someone who can share what worked for them, what didn’t, and what they learned along the way.
Important to note that Mentors in this program are volunteers sharing their personal and professional experiences. They do not provide professional, legal, financial, or accounting advice, and all business decisions remain the responsibility of the Mentee/Participants.
Through mentoring, you can:
- Learn from experience. Gain insight from someone who has already walked the path of business ownership.
- Get practical perspective. Hear real examples and strategies you can adapt to your own situation.
- Build local connections. Grow your network and be part of Wyndham’s supportive business community.
How it Works
- Apply Online: Complete the online application form listed below.
- Matching Process: The Wyndham City team will review applications and pair mentees with suitable mentors based on experience, industry, and business needs.
- Meet and Learn: Once matched, mentors and mentees will meet for at least twice (in person or online). Meetings are flexible and guided by mutual availability.
- Support and Check-ins: Wyndham City Business Support will provide ongoing support and resources to help participants get the most out of the program.
Meet the Mentors
Curious to know who the mentors are? Here are a few of the business leaders that has signed up to be a mentor on a voluntary basis. More mentors will be highlighted here in the coming weeks!
Alex Sy
Founder and Managing Director, Atlas Business Consulting & Mentoring Services
Alex Sy is an experienced business mentor and consultant who helps small business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups build sustainable and successful businesses. With particular experience in hospitality and service-based industries, he provides practical guidance in business strategy, growth, marketing and operational improvement.
Alex also delivers mentoring and workshops through local government business programs and is passionate about empowering people through purposeful mentoring and meaningful connections.
Amol Kasaju
Owner and Operator, Quest Werribee
Amol Kasaju is the owner and operator of Quest Werribee and the 2024 Wyndham Young Businessperson of the Year.
His journey from arriving in Australia as a student and working as a housekeeper to becoming a business owner has shaped his practical, people-focused leadership style. As a mentor, he helps others build confidence, lead with clarity and grow with purpose while staying grounded in community values.
Andres Guzman Galindo
Founder and Director, Guzman Finance
Andres Guzman is the founder and director of Guzman Finance, a boutique mortgage brokerage helping Australians achieve their property goals.
With more than 17 years of experience across banking, lending and mortgage broking, he has assisted hundreds of clients with home, investment and construction finance. Andres brings practical business growth experience and a client-first approach to mentoring business owners.
Anubhav Aggarwal
Founder, Find my Real Estate
Anubhav Aggarwal is the founder of Find My Real Estate (FMRE), a property buyers’ agency that helps Australians build long-term wealth through strategic property investment.
With a background in senior consulting, strategy and transformation roles in the IT sector, combined with extensive personal property investment experience, he mentors professionals, families and aspiring investors to make informed property decisions, grow resilient property portfolios and create greater financial freedom.
Anupam Singh
Founder and Managing Director, DataAIT Technologies
Anupam Singh is the Founder and Managing Director of DataAIT Technologies, a Wyndham-based consultancy focused on practical AI and business growth. Drawing on more than 25 years of global technology leadership experience, he helps business owners solve operational challenges, adopt technology effectively and scale their businesses.
As a returning IGNITE mentor, he combines commercial strategy with practical decision-making and innovation.
Application - Mentors (This section provides information on how to become a mentor)
We’re seeking experienced business owners or business professionals who are willing to share their time and expertise to support local businesses in Wyndham.
- Mentors participate on an unpaid basis
- Offer up to 6 mentoring sessions in total
- You will be matched to up to 3 Mentees
- Meet with each Mentees twice for 45-60 minutes
- Bring real-world business connection, insights, and experience
- You don’t have to be from Wyndham to be a Mentor!
Benefits of mentoring:
- Give back to the community
- Network at exclusive invite-only events
- Further develop your communications and leadership skills
- Selected Mentors will be highlighted on program webpage
Application - Mentees (This section provides information for those who want to receive mentoring)
We welcome applications from Wyndham-based business owners who are looking for guidance and support to grow their business.
Mentees will:
- Receive free 2 × 45-minute mentoring sessions with a Mentor
- Need to hold an ABN registered in Wyndham or have a physical location in Wyndham
- Be committed to making the most of the mentoring experience by coming prepared to each session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of participating?
The program is free (no cost) for both the mentors and mentees to participate. Mentors will be participating on a voluntary basis / unpaid.
How do I join this program?
All participants (Mentors and Mentee) must complete an application form to determine suitability and eligibility. Our assessment panel will reach out to inform if you have been accepted via email.
How will I get matched?
Wyndham City will review your profile, especially what your business needs are, and match you with the best match, based on availability, skills or background that are aligned to your needs.
How many sessions will I receive?
As a Mentee, you will receive two sessions (45 mins each) from the same mentor. This way, you can discuss the challenges and form some goals and action point in the first session, and use the second session as a follow up discussion.
Mentors are only requested to offer 2 free sessions as part of the program, however it is their choice if they would like to offer further sessions. Any fees or arrangement with the mentors when the two free sessions are exceeded should be discussed openly between Mentee and Mentors so to avoid any misunderstanding.
Will my contact details be shared with program participants?
Your contact details will only be shared with your matched Mentee or Mentors for the purpose of scheduling your sessions. It will not be shared with other program participants.