A free information evening in Tauranga this month aims to help small and medium business owners understand the role of advisory groups to help businesses thrive.

Thoje Hood from Advise Me has organised ‘Advisory Groups for SME's (small and medium enterprises)' with help from Darren McGarvie from business growth centre Firestation and Sheldon Nesdale from Marketing First.

Event organisers Sheldon Nesdale (left), Thoje Hood and Darren McGarvie. Photo: Supplied.

Advisory Groups are a panel of advisors from a range of industries and backgrounds to help guide the business owner to implement change and growth, provide access to key skills and networks, and overall strategic planning, says Thoje Hood from Advise Me.

'This event is trying to put advisory groups on the radar for all business-owners and for anyone who wants to learn more about advisory groups or boards.

Thoje along with Darren McGarvie from business growth centre Firestation and Sheldon Nesdale from Marketing First have organised Advisory Groups for SME's (small and medium enterprises) evening which will on May 19 from 5pm to 7pm, at The Tauranga Club on Devonport Rd.

'We are excited to have serial entrepreneur and professional director Melissa Clark-Reynolds speak about her own experience with small businesses and the role of advisory groups to address challenges and realise opportunities,” Thoje says.

'The event is about making advisory groups appealing to SMEs and demonstrating the big difference they can make.

'Unfortunately, many business owners don't realise the power of advisory groups or boards and think they are only for large businesses and corporates. SMEs also don't have the time, contacts or knowledge how to set one up.”

Thoje says his organisation wants to change this for Bay of Plenty businesses as well as provide an opportunity for aspiring professional directors.

'In New Zealand the opportunities for aspiring advisors and directors can be limited. We want to help the next generation of advisors and directors.

'We urge business owners and professionals who want to become advisors to come along and see what advisory groups are all about,” Thoje says.

The Advisory Groups for SME's evening is on Thursday May 19, from 5pm-7pm at The Tauranga Club. The event is free, for more information or to RSVP go to www.bit.ly/SMEGov