Training
Cross-industry training and mentoring
As small and medium sized business experts, Sparrowly Group delivers cross-industry support and guidance to build industry and business capability. We have supported more than 1,000 businesses through our mentoring programs and training workshops over the last ten years.
Mentoring and training programs
Our impactful learning and training programs support businesses across all stages including start-up and idea conception, through to business expansion and maturity. This is delivered through bespoke industry development programs, either in one-to-one or group mentoring forums, where businesses are matched with one of our business mentors. Our programs are practical, and above all, deliver the results to support businesses on their journey.
Our experience has included the delivery of mentoring and training programs specific to small business planning and resilience training, tourism product and experience development, agritourism development, export-ready industry development and accessible tourism.
Workshops and facilitation
We facilitate and deliver workshops that are practical and hands-on, with the aim to inspire and educate without the overwhelm. To date, we have delivered close to 100 sessions in a range of formats, including masterclasses, workshops, webinars, conferences, keynote speaking and forums. Topics have included business planning and resilience, product and experience development, revenue generation, change management, marketing, brand and strategic communications, accessibility, agritourism development.
Our facilitation style and approach is warm, practical and insightful, designed to distil complex ideas into meaningful, actionable outcomes for attendees in a constantly evolving environment. We create inclusive, engaging spaces that fosters connection and learning, with tailored content and resources that empower participants to implement change and future-proof their business.
We facilitate group strategy and co-design workshops for government departments, executive leadership teams and boards. We provide expert governance advice that strengthens performance and ensures compliance. Trained through the Australian Institute of Company Directors, our collaborative approach fosters transparency, accountability and long-term success through tailored, resilient governance structures.
Destination North Coast engaged Sparrowly Group to deliver an ambitious industry mentoring program in a very challenging environment. The project targeted onboarding and mentoring 90 North Coast tourism businesses which was achieved on time and within budget. The quality and diversity of mentors that Sparrowly Group utilised for the project enabled us to facilitate mentoring for all 90 participating businesses that represent all sectors of our industry and to address their individual needs. Overall, the program has been a tremendous success delivering demonstrable improvements to the collective skill set and capacity of the industry on the North Coast.
What Our Clients Say
Michael Thurston, Destination North Coast
It has been such a pleasure to work with Giovanna and the Sparrowly Group team to deliver a series of highly informative and very practical workshops to help South Australian businesses improve their accessibility and inclusive experiences for their customers. The ability to deliver these workshops online, while still being very engaging and practical, has allowed our operators from all corners of our great state to get involved. As a result of these workshops we have seen our operators actively work on improving how they make themselves more accessible and inclusive to those living with a disability and become more confident in communicating to this important market segment.
Christina Belperio, Tourism Industry Council South Australia
The Outback Queensland Agritourism Accelerator Project, delivered in partnership with Sparrowly Group, has been a game-changer for farmers looking to diversify their operations. By providing education and practical support, the program helped local producers explore turning their farms into unique visitor destinations, creating new income opportunities. Working with Sparrowly Group was a highly positive experience—their professional and adaptable approach ensured the program was tailored to meet our needs and respected the unique schedules and demands of farmers. This initiative has empowered farmers to share their stories, connect directly with visitors, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Outback Queensland’s regional economies.
Kelly Hensley, Outback Queensland Tourism Association
What Our Mentees Say
Sparrowly Group has been a key partner in supporting our business. Since first connecting with the Sparrowly Group team in 2019, they have consistently championed our mission and growth, facilitating introductions to key stakeholders within the visitor economy
They were instrumental in mentoring us through the development and launch of our international product, a pivotal moment that led us to participating in the Destination NSW New Product Workshop and attending ATE 2024 with Tourism Australia.
Their commitment to innovation and inclusion has created lasting opportunities for us to enable Cocky Guides to make an impact towards more accessible and inclusive tourism experience across Australia’s Visitor Economy now and into the future!
James (Buck) McFarlane, Sensory Tourism Australia
I am incredibly grateful for Giovanna’s and the team at Sparrowly Group's generosity and support throughout my journey of building and growing my agritourism businesses. Giovanna's genuine interest in my success and commitment to making it a reality have been truly remarkable. Her experience and passion for agritourism and dedication to empowering others in the industry are evident in every interaction.
Thanks to Giovanna's mentorship, I have not only navigated challenges but also implemented innovative strategies that have propelled my business forward. I wholeheartedly recommend Giovanna to anyone seeking guidance in the agritourism field. Her sincerity, wisdom, and genuine desire to see others succeed make her an exceptional mentor and advisor.
Sahra Tohow, The Woolshed
Your mentorship has been nothing short of transformative, and we’re truly fortunate to have had you in our corner. You’ve not only provided us with solid, practical advice but have also inspired us to navigate our journey with confidence and clarity.
Your generosity in sharing your expertise and your unwavering belief in our potential have been a source of immense motivation. The impact of your teachings goes far beyond business strategies, they’ve instilled in us a sense of purpose and resilience. We are growing stronger and more capable each day, thanks to the foundational principles you’ve helped us establish.
The lessons we’ve learned from you have not only strengthened our business foundation but also given us the confidence to aim higher and dream bigger
Tiffani and Chantal, Restore Essentials
Our Case Studies
Nation-wide - Agritourism Mentoring Program
Sparrowly Group has designed and delivered our Agritourism Development Program to over 200 farmers across NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Our program supports agricultural diversification through practical, hands-on masterclass workshops and one-to-one mentoring. Covering planning, compliance and visitor experience development, the program has helped both new and existing operators refine and launch agritourism experiences. The program has also fostered collaboration with local and state government, especially in the areas of planning and compliance, strengthening regional tourism and economic outcomes.
Economic Development Australia - Training Module Development and Facilitation
Sparrowly Group developed three new elective modules for Economic Development Australia’s national training program. The modules included Visitor Economy, Events Economy and Night-time Economy. Drawing on our deep expertise, we created engaging, resource-rich course materials and delivered the modules nationally (in-person and virtual). All sessions quickly sold out with the highest attendance to date of any of the EDA modules and 100% learning satisfaction, helping economic development professionals build capacity across key drivers of place-based economic growth.
Destination North Coast - Business Accelerator and Mentoring Program
Sparrowly Group delivered the Business Accelerator and Mentoring Program supporting 90 tourism businesses for Destination North Coast. The program combined tailored one-on-one business mentoring, workshops, webinars and a suite of resources to help businesses adapt and grow post-pandemic. Over 200 participants engaged across the program, with many expanding their products and experiences, investing in new assets, and entering new markets, strengthening the region’s tourism resilience.
Image Credit (left to right): Cupitts Estate and Destination NSW