At the Western Sydney Startup Hub, we believe that access to the right expertise at the right time can make a real difference for a growing business. That's why we've launched our Mentor in Residence program, bringing experienced practitioners, specialists and advisers directly into WSSH on a regular basis, so our community can access tailored, one-on-one support without the barriers that usually come with it.
Whether you're navigating the early stages of starting a business, looking to understand your funding options, or wanting a clearer picture of your financial and operational health, these sessions are designed to meet you where you're at.
Why These Sessions Matter
Running a business involves making decisions across areas that most founders haven't been formally trained in. Insurance, government compliance, R&D funding, business planning, cash flow. The kind of knowledge that takes years to accumulate, or that usually requires expensive professional consultations.
The Mentor in Residence program gives WSSH members and the broader Western Sydney business community direct access to specialists who can offer practical, confidential guidance tailored to your business. Sessions are free, focused and built around your specific questions and goals.
These sessions are open to anyone building or running a business in Western Sydney, including aspiring founders, early-stage startups, and established small business owners. You don't need to be a WSSH member to book. Whether you're pre-revenue or already operating, there's something here for every stage of the journey.
Introducing Our Current Mentors in Residence
1. Insurance & Risk for Business with Bernadette Ching
Bernadette Ching is the owner of Ophir Insurance, with extensive experience across insurance, risk management and business operations. Her sessions are practical, confidential and tailored to your business, covering the essentials that every founder and small business owner should understand.
In a session with Bernadette, you can get across the key basics of business insurance, how risks are identified and managed, strategies to protect your business, how premiums are calculated, stamp duty exemptions you may be eligible for, and whether your business needs workers compensation cover.
These are the kinds of questions that often get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, and the kinds of answers that can save you significant time and money down the track.
Bernadette is available on the second Wednesday of each month for 30-minute sessions. Click here to book a session with Bernadette.
2. Government Business Support with the Service NSW Business Bureau
The Service NSW Business Bureau provides personalised, one-on-one support to help business owners access government programs, services and opportunities from a single point of contact. Their Business Concierge team is embedded within local communities across NSW and understands the specific challenges facing businesses in Western Sydney.
In a session with the Business Bureau, you can get help understanding and meeting regulatory requirements, accessing government programs relevant to your stage of growth, exploring opportunities to expand or export, and strengthening areas like business planning, marketing and cash flow management.
If you've ever felt like you're missing out on support that exists but is hard to find, this is the session for you.
The Service NSW Business Bureau team is available fortnightly on Tuesdays. Click here to book a session with Viliami from Service NSW.
3. R&D Funding Office Hours with Radium Capital
If your business is doing work that qualifies as research and development, you may be eligible to access non-dilutive funding through the Australian Government's R&D Tax Incentive, and Radium Capital can help you understand how to access it early, rather than waiting until tax time.
Each month, Radium Capital hosts 30-minute office hour sessions at WSSH covering how to access your expected R&DTI refund throughout the year, how R&D funding can bridge a cashflow gap or extend your runway, how to incorporate non-dilutive funding into a broader capital strategy, and whether your business is eligible to access funding through Radium.
For founders who are scaling and looking to reduce capital outlay without giving up equity, these sessions offer a clear and practical introduction to a funding option that is often underutilised.
Radium Capital is available on the first Wednesday of each month for 30-minute sessions. Click here to book a session with Mike.
4. Business Advice & Health Check Sessions with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs
In partnership with the Sarina Russo Group, a global leader in education, training and employment, WSSH offers free fortnightly business coaching sessions with experienced Business Coach Christine Deutsch. These sessions are available to new founders, emerging entrepreneurs and existing small business owners across Greater Western Sydney.
There are two formats available depending on where you are in your business journey.
Business Advice Sessions (1 hour) are available up to twice per 12-month period, and are ideal for individuals considering starting a business, or existing owners who need focused support with things like applying for loans or grants, improving marketing, sourcing clients, or strengthening business viability.
Business Health Check Sessions (3 hours across two 1.5-hour sessions) are available once per 12-month period for eligible self-employed participants. These sessions provide a comprehensive review of your business, covering financial health and cash flow trends, business model evaluation, risk and compliance, business relationships and staff wellbeing, and a tailored action plan to strengthen long-term viability.
Christine is available fortnightly on Tuesdays from 8:30am to 1:00pm. Click here to book a session with Christine.
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5. Marketing & Growth Sessions with Tom Bilby
Tom Bilby is Founder of Webfurnace, a Digital Growth Consultancy, with 10+ years of experience helping businesses grow through effective marketing and sales strategies. His sessions offer practical, one-on-one support for founders and small business owners looking to improve their marketing performance and drive growth.
In a session with Tom, you can get advice on marketing strategy and planning, paid advertising, SEO fundamentals, website and landing page optimisation, and improving sales conversion. Whether you need clarity on where to focus or want feedback on your current approach, these sessions are designed to provide actionable guidance tailored to your business.
For founders looking to strengthen their go-to-market approach or generate more traction, these sessions offer a practical opportunity to get expert advice without the usual consultancy barriers.
Tom is available on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month for 30-minute sessions. Click here to book a session with Tom..jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Working%20doc%20-%20Meshpoints%20(5).jpg)
6. Startup Accounting & Financial Clarity with Dev Punjani
Dev Punjani is a Chartered Accountant and Founder & Director of Credible Accounting, helping startups and SMEs gain clearer financial visibility, stronger structures, and more confidence in their decision-making. His sessions are designed to simplify the financial side of running a business and provide practical support tailored to growing companies.
In a session with Dev, founders can get guidance on accounting and bookkeeping, cashflow management, understanding financial reports, compliance and business structure questions, and improving financial systems and processes. Whether you’re trying to get on top of your numbers or plan for growth more strategically, these sessions are focused on delivering clear, actionable advice.
For founders looking to strengthen the financial foundations of their business and avoid costly surprises as they scale, these sessions offer practical support from someone who understands the realities of startups and SMEs.
Dev is available monthly on Thursdays for complimentary 30-minute sessions. Click here to book a session with Dev.
All Mentor in Residence sessions are free to attend and open to both WSSH members and the public. Sessions fill up quickly, so we recommend booking ahead to secure your preferred time.
The Western Sydney Startup Hub is more than a coworking space. It's a community built around helping founders, entrepreneurs and small business owners connect, learn and grow. From programs and events to mentorship and expert sessions like these, WSSH is designed to give innovators in Western Sydney the support and environment they need to build something that lasts.
Memberships start from $50/month + GST, giving you access to flexible workspace, a thriving community of like-minded founders, and exclusive discounts and benefits from our partner organisations. Learn more and book a free tour here today!