About The Institute

Master of Small Business

The Institute recognises small business coaches as "Masters of Small Business" when they have achieved and demonstrate the following minimum qualifications and experience:

  1. A minimum of 10 years experience as owner or CEO of one or more small businesses, or equivalent
  2. Qualification in personal and executive coaching equivalent to International Coach Federation accreditation: ACC or higher.
  3. A minimum of 100 hrs of training in business management related disciplines.
  4. A minimum of 2 years experience working full time supporting small business owners in the development of their business, or equivalent experience.
  5. A commitment to continuous and ongoing personal and professional development.

To be a member of the institute and a "Master of Small Business", small business coaches must also abide by the Institute Code of Practice:

The Institute of Small Business Coaching Code of Practice

Masters of Small Business will:

  1. Act in accordance with the ICF code of Ethics

  2. Practice "Unconditional Positive Regard" to their clients

  3. Ensure that their work is first and foremost informed by a "Solutions Focus"

  4. Look to support their clients to generate their own solutions.

  5. Share their experience and expertise when and once they believe that to make a difference for the client, only and not before.

  6. Tailor their structures to meet their client’s individual needs

  7. Work within coaching structures that are based on achieving measurable goals.

  8. Keep things as simple as possible, and no simpler

  9. Let the "Brief" principles take precedence over the financial needs of their businesses. They structure their approach always to guide and support their clients to independence

  10. Deliver what they promise

Membership to the Institute is by invitation only at this stage. Only those coaches who are recognised as "Masters of Small Business" are able to be full members of the Institute.

Current members of the Institute