Business Support Program

The Challenge

It is widely acknowledged that the role of business owners of a small or medium sized business (typically 5 to 250 employees) can be a very difficult and lonely one. No matter how well you know your business, there are times when you wish you had another experienced and independent business person to talk to, even if only to provide that vital second opinion or to challenge your thinking.

Large companies usually have a significant advantage over smaller businesses as they are able to afford a professional board of directors with diverse skills and experience which can manage the business very effectively through this knowledge base. The owner of a small to medium-size business typically has no such luxury. Nor is it often a realistic option, as a professional executive director can easily cost a business $100K+ per year in salary alone. Add other benefits such as company car, pension, healthcare, holidays, etc. to all that, and you are committing to a significant annual cost.

The Answer

Our Business Support Program, supported by the Institute for Independent Business (IIB) provides the answer, leveling the playing field with larger businesses, and giving you a significant advantage over other Small Business owners - and at a fraction of the cost.

Under the IIB's Business Support Program, you will be appointed a Lead Advisor who will be available to you to discuss any issues that you have, in any area of your business. In addition, your advisor will allocate a number of days (typically 2 days per month) for practical hands-on time with you and your company, supporting you and helping you make things happen. He also has access to the huge resources of over 4,500 qualified and experienced IIB Accredited Executives, any of whom can be called on to help you with any specialist aspects of your business at a reduced rate.

IIB accreditation is only afforded to business professionals who meet the Institute's exacting standards: the Associate must have appropriate professional qualifications, as well as substantial executive experience of running a company at director level. Additionally, all Associates must keep up-to-date by participating in the Institute’s continuous professional development program.

If your business qualifies for the Business Support Program, a team member of Steve Fowler Consulting will be appointed as your Lead Advisor. In that role, the Lead Advisor is there to support and assist you in any business matter possible, and at the same time act as a “business friend” to you, the Business Owner.

The Lead Advisor

• Will attend any board meetings that you wish to ensure that the company is adequately supported, focused, and progressing to plan.
• Will coordinate and project-manage the use of consulting time and hands-on practical assistance from any of the Institute's professionals.
• Will find an answer to any business queries you may have by accessing the extraordinary business resources of the IIB.
• Will be available on a local hot-line number, free of charge, just to talk through whatever is on your mind or act as a sounding board for new ideas.

The Business Support Program is not at all like traditional consulting. Its real strength lies in the ability to establish an ongoing hands-on relationship between the Lead Advisor and the client.

The Benefits

• Under the Business Support Program, the standard fee charged by Steve Fowler Consulting is subsidized by the IIB resulting in a very affordable, fixed monthly cost.
• Through your Lead Advisor, you and your business will have access to a "virtual" board of over 3,000 Executives worldwide.
• You do not have any of the employer's costs of sick pay, fringe benefits, vacation pay, payroll taxes, etc.
• Your Lead Advisor will be available to you via telephone to discuss any business matter at no additional cost.
• You will be allocated 192 hours over 12 months of dedicated practical consulting time with your Lead Advisor. This is typically 2 days a month, but the Business Support Program can be structured to meet your precise needs.

Call or email today to get more information on how the Business Support Program can help you and your business!