The Business Advisor Network: Becoming a BLP Partner
Since 2017, BLP has supported the inception of the first quality approved Network of business advisory service providers in the Pacific Island. The Network has supported thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises with quality and affordable business advisory services. This growing Network has 160 Pacific based business advisory firms, with more than 200 individual advisors covering 15 areas of business advice.
Below is everything you need to know about joining the BLP Network.
Complete Steps 1 & 2 to become a BLP Approved Advisor!
Step 1: Register on the BLP portal and create a profile for your advisory service provider
Having a profile on the BLP portal enables you to market your advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises based in the Pacific Islands.
Your business profile can list all your advisors and their experience. Once you submit your business profile, we will make sure your services are in scope and publish your profile. Then, your advisors will be asked to demonstrate their advisory experience in our online competency assessment tool. Once an advisor is approved, your firm will become a BLP Partner, and you will be able to:
- Showcase your business services to the Pacific Islands and to the world!
- Access BLP subsidies to assist your clients and help get their projects off the ground.
- Access professional development and support through the BLP Business Advisor Development programmes and via the BLP Advisor Network in your country.
If you require technical assistance while creating your profile contact:
“Being part of the BLP Advisor Network has helped me grow from one stage to another. We are now moving away from punching numbers and compliance matters to full-on financial and strategic advisors, and BLP has really helped HLB Mann Judd to make this transition with growing businesses.”
Prasnil Chand, IT Solutions Manager, HLB Mann Judd, Fiji.
Step 2: Become a BLP approved advisor and access our partner services
To become a BLP approved advisor, individuals in your firm go through a competency assessment, to demonstrate their skills and professional advisory experience. Our assessment process is evidence-based, so looks at their real life experiences advising clients.
Our panel of experienced assessors supports candidates throughout the assessment process while reviewing their competencies to ensure we approve suitably skilled advisors.
Our competency assessment process is also a great way to test your advisory skills and reflect on your services and strengths. It helps identify areas for professional development that can be addressed through the BLP Business Advisor Development Programme. The programmes consist of a range of professional development opportunities, such as workshops, webinars on consulting skills and various tools and resources that help advisors gain the skills they need.
“Business Link Pacific is a valued partner in what we do, as it provides an opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to get the professional support that they might not otherwise be able to afford. As many of these are local ni-Van businesses, it is also in line with our business ethos of wanting to support local business to grow and increase their market share.”
Rob Macalister, Co-Director of Savvy Vanuatu, Vanuatu.
Step 3: Achieve the BLP Advisor BLP Gold Certificate status
Once you are an approved business advisor, you can gain recognition as a Gold advisor by completing Step 3 of the BLP Competency assessment. The BLP Gold certificate is designed to recognise high levels of professionalism and expertise, such as having a deep understanding of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, having robust advisory processes in place and being a well-networked advisory practice. Obtaining the BLP Gold Certificate status is also an opportunity to test yourself and see how you’re doing with the more generic advisory skills, such as diagnosing business issues, presenting and communicating complex information clearly, and supporting SMEs to implement solutions. Check out our tips on completing the BLP Competency assessment and achieving the BLP Gold certificate.
Approved and Certified advisors have access to BLP’s Partner services
Once your business has at least one BLP approved advisor, you will have access to exclusive BLP partner services.
- A priority listing on the BLP Portal:
BLP Partners and Gold advisors will be prioritized when potential clients search for a business advisor. - Client referrals from BLP:
After completing the Business Health Check or the Continuity planner, businesses looking for business advice will be referred to BLP approved service providers. - BLP Subsidy Scheme:
Your firm will qualify for BLP subsidies to discount your services to eligible clients. - Business Advisor Development Programmes:
Professional development opportunities for business advisors to improve their skills. The programme includes consulting and leadership workshops, advisor mentoring, webinars, advisory tools and templates. - Business advisor online self-assessment competency framework:
Completing BLP’s evidence-based assessments, it’s also a great way to assess your skills and reflect on areas where you may need further development, at your own pace. - BLP’s advisor support services:
Customised services are available to BLP Partners and are delivered by highly experienced business mentors. For more information on advisor support contact: