Mentoring Group

Mentoring Group was built around a belief that a fledgling business is far more likely to succeed when an idea, a good business plan, and an entrepreneur are matched with proven experience. MCED supports innovation and entrepreneurial activity throughout the community by matching prospective entrepreneurs with skilled volunteer mentors. We use a team mentoring approach with mentors sitting with a fledgling entrepreneur(s) in sessions that provide practical, day-to-day advice and coaching. Relationships between mentors and entrepreneurs are formed based on the needs of the entrepreneur and the interests of available mentors. Assistance is given across a broad range of business activity, including product development, marketing, intellectual property law, finance, human resources, and founders issues. In between the mentor sessions, our staff works with the client company on the various issues raised by them and helping them implement the suggestion deliverables from the mentors. This way they are ready for the next meeting, thereby closing the gap and adding some accountability.

Eligibility

MCED is looking for passionate people with a vision. Everyone is invited to apply, including both new and seasoned founders alike, as well as founding teams. The specific selection criteria for incoming founders includes: (1) having a reasonably well articulated idea and a passion to build something, (2) focusing on a technology or innovation, and (3) having reasonable training or industry expertise.

Expectations

Entrepreneurs are expected to commit to a sustained relationship with MCED and to be professional, open and responsive to the volunteer mentors who work with them. They are also expected to provide MCED, to the best of their ability, with accurate information about their venture.

Process

Once accepted, MCED will arrange for the first mentoring session. The initial meeting may be with one mentor or with multiple mentors, depending upon the current status of the venture, needs, and mentor availability. Meeting frequency is up to the mentor and mentee.

Matching

The formation of a relationship between a mentor and entrepreneur is purely voluntary. The mentors are assigned depending on their interests or areas of expertise. Though MCED is responsible for matching appropriate mentors and entrepreneurs, the decision to form a relationship remains with the prospective mentor and entrepreneur. On occasion, MCED may not have the appropriate resources and may have to decline a request for assistance.

Mentors

MCED mentors are recruited not only for their expertise in business formation, strategic planning, organizational management, and specific technical fields but also for their skills as advisors and their enthusiasm for the program. Every mentor must sign a statement agreeing to abide by a Statement of Principles. Two core principles in this statement are in regard to confidentiality and conflict of interest.