Frequently asked Questions

Member FAQs

Q: What is a Member? A: A Member of the Verkom Initiative is a start-up company which has been deemed suitable to join the Verkom Initiative.

Q: How does my company become a Member? A: To become a member of the Verkom Initiative your company must be in business for at least 12 months, have a minimum of 3 employees and have the drive and ambition to take your business to the next level. You must also be working in your business in a full time capacity.
All interested and suitable companies will be “case-studied” by Verkom Initiative project staff so that all member companies are carefully selected and to avoid overcrowding of the programme.

Q: What are the benefits to Member companies? A: Verkom Initiative member companies will have access to:

• The VI Mentor Panel – you will be introduced to a relevant mentor, depending on what your company needs to take it forward
• Organised Networking events to build up contacts
• Inclusion in our VI website providing exposure to potential investors
• Free job advertising on the VI website
• Monthly newsletters
• Tailored pricing structure for any recruitment needs

Q: What is the role of the Verkom Project Manager? A: The Project Manager has two responsibilities:

• Conducting a case study of interested and suitable start-up companies.
• The matching of Mentors to member needs.

Q: Who should I talk to before meeting the mentor for the first time? A: The Project Manager will brief you on the mentor and what they can do for you.

Q: Who arranges the initial meeting? A: The Verkom Project Manager contacts the member and mentor to arrange the first meeting. Normally, at the end of each meeting a date for the next meeting is agreed.

Q: What Should I do if I find that the mentor assigned to my company is not relevant? A: You should contact your Project Manager who will liaise with the mentor.

Q: Do all meetings have to take place at member premises? A: No. Meetings can be held at a venue suitable to both parties.

Q: How do I keep in touch with the Verkom Initiative Member Network? A: Through direct contact with your Project Manager and networking events.

Mentor FAQs

Q: What is the objective of the Mentor Network?
A: The objective is to provide a Mentoring service, which meets the business development needs of members at different stages of their development - from start-up to maturity.

Q: What is a Mentor?
A: A Mentor volunteers to share with members the knowledge they have gained and or offer their knowledge to a client in order to enhance their work experience.

Q: What is a Mentors role?
A: The Mentor listens to members and challenges them to consider alternatives in the development of their business.  Through this process members are helped to focus on the key issues and a range of solutions. Throughout the process the Mentor remains constructive and shares the knowledge, which he/she has gained from past success and failure.

Q: Do Members expect Mentors to act as Consultants e.g. manage the implementation of agreed strategies?
A: A Mentor must stay clear of any such role.  While Mentoring helps members to identify a range of options to pursue and pitfalls to avoid, it remains the member’s responsibility to choose the option and to implement the plans. Furthermore, it is critically important that the Mentor must not interact in such a way that the role could be misconstrued as that of an Executive or Director of the company.

Q: What is the role of the Verkom Project Manager?
A: The Project Manager has two responsibilities:

•     The recruitment and management of the Mentor resources within their individual Region/Sector
•     The matching of Mentors to member needs.

Q: Who should I talk to before meeting the member for the first time?
A: The Project Manager will brief you on the company and its needs.

Q: Who arranges the initial meeting?
A: The Verkom Project Manager contacts the member and mentor to arrange the first meeting.  Normally, at the end of each meeting a date for the next meeting is agreed.

Q: What Should I do if I find I am not suited to the assignment or if I feel my role is complete?
A: You should contact your Project Manager who will liaise with the member.

Q: Do all meetings have to take place at the client’s premises?
A: No.  Meetings can be held at a venue suitable to both parties.

Q: How do I keep in touch with the Verkom Initiative Mentor Network?
A: Through direct contact with your Project Manager.