SBMS Ambassadors

SBMS Ambassadors are proven supporters of the small business sector. Their contribution to small business reflects a passion to help businesses to develop to their full potential.

Dr Michael Schaper

National board member, Australian Institute of Company Directors; Chair, ATO Shadow Economy Advisory Forum; Chair, Energy & Water Ombudsman WA; Board member, Small Business Development Corporation of WA; Board member, University of Canberra; former President SEAANZ and director of International Council for Small Business.

Previously Deputy Chair (small business) of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, and inaugural Small Business Commissioner for the Australian Capital Territory. Board Chair, CEO, regulator, small business and economic development specialist across a range of industries, government, associations and research bodies, both in Australia and internationally.

David Mann AM KSJ FAICD

3AW “Mann about Town”, roving on-air reporter for 3AW 693. Former Member of the Small Business Ministerial Advisory Council, Former Member Australia Day Committee (Victoria), MC and Presenter, Chairman of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Community Council, Chairman Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, Chairman Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve Committee of Management.

“I love my role catching up with businesses and organisations around Victoria to promote them to the public, and to highlight their success stories and achievements. The Mentors at SBMS have that experience and they actually care about the businesses they mentor. Nothing beats experience and the SBMS Mentors have that in spades!”

Judy O'Connell

Former Victorian Small Business Commissioner (2021); Advisor, Fiscal Affairs Department, International Monetary Fund (IMF); Assistant Commissioner, Australian Tax Office (2016); Named as Top 50 Women in Leadership for Victoria in 2018.

“We want small businesses to thrive, and businesses quite often need help to get there. Small business owners are experts in their field but often need guidance with the day-to-day operations of running a business, and SBMS provides that.”

Mark Brennan

Inaugural Victorian Small Business Commissioner, Inaugural Federal Small Business Commissioner, Inaugural Gambling and Liquor Commissioner, Former Chair of Small Business Mentoring Service Inc.

"Small businesses need all the help they can get, but they don't need it from umpires that have never played the game. SBMS Mentors have run their own successful businesses and as a result can offer insights from real life experiences that helped them to succeed in business and can help you to do the same."