Two of the country's business networks have joining forces to offer more help for Kiwi business in a response to the growing demand for business mentor support.

The deal sees MYOB become a “Partner Patron” of Business Mentors New Zealand, a national network of volunteer, independent business mentors, supported by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Ray Schofield, CEO of Business Mentors New Zealand, said MYOB’s involvement will enhance the business mentoring service.

“MYOB’s business networks and experience, combined with our own, will enable us to create one of New Zealand’s largest networks of business mentors and advisers,” he said.

MYOB GM Julian Smith says there’s a growing demand for professional mentoring support for New Zealand’s SME community.

“By offering the services of over 1600 business mentors, alongside our nationwide network of partners, advisors and experts, we believe we can make a real difference to the range of support available to local businesses in 2011 – wherever they are in the country,” he said.