The International Conference on Business Advising (ICBA), the first conference of its kind, casting the spotlight on what is considered one of the most important business support tools, business advising. Business advising plays a critical role in enhancing the survival, performance and success of all businesses, in particular start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The ICBA2017 will take a 360-degree view of business advising, looking at the profession itself, business advising practices, and performance. It will examine the following central questions, among others: What factors determine the success of business advising as a business support tool? What are the experiences and lessons from South Africa and around the world in delivering impactful business advice?How can the impact of business advising be measured and improved? What are future directions in business advising?