Learn more about the Vendor Development Academy to become a cohort member or a mentor.
Join the Program
As a mentor, you are matched with a cohort member to provide guidance and advice regarding business operations.
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Requirements
- Complete an application and questionnaire providing:
- a brief company profile
- operating history
- general and specialized areas of operational expertise
- activities and accomplishments in supporting small business enterprises (SBE)
- Submit a detailed plan to provide the necessary time and resources to ensure a successful mentor/cohort member relationship.
- Attend an orientation session describing the roles and expectations for each respective partnership.
- Commit to working with the cohort member for 24 months.
Benefits
At first glance, it may seem that being a mentor is all about give, give, give - and there's no question that your business insight can be a valuable contribution to business development programs. However, there are other rewards than just the thanks you will get from your cohort member and the business community.
Many firms tell us that preparing to be a mentor forces them to critically focus on current operations, shake off stagnant/ routine approaches, explore new technology and consider simplified or streamlined processes. In short, you have an opportunity to improve your business as you help your cohort member improve theirs.