Are you a Woman-Owned Business that would like guidance with:

• Legal (entity set up, contracts, IP, other)
• Finance (fundraising, accounting, systems, understanding financial documents, investing, other)
• Human Resources (legal documents, staffing, employee relations)
• Marketing (market research, marketing strategies/tactics, branding, marketing tools)
• Management (leadership development, operations)
• Technology (website, IT, other)
• Business/strategic planning (decide where are you going and how are you going to get there)
• Design (product development, prototyping, portfolio planning)
• Other
  

Woman-Owned Business Mentoring Program

America's 9.1 million women-owned businesses employ 27.5 million people and contribute $3.6 trillion to the economy - yet women continue to face unique obstacles in the world of business.* Out of the small-business category, women as sole proprietors are the fastest growing segment. One of the biggest challenges facing women is time: time to spend with family; time to develop a career or business. Women want to find a balance between work and family, and statistics seem to indicate this is true. Studies suggest that 60% of women business owners are a result of lifestyle choices. With this program we aim to assist women entrepreneurs in any way possible so that they can have the best of both worlds.

What you will receive from the program as a Mentee

• The opportunity to increase your skills, knowledge and confidence.
  
• Increased potential for business visibility, promotional or networking opportunities.
  
• The benefit of working with experienced entrepreneurs who will provide the information and support you need to achieve your development objectives.
  
• Assistance in clarifying your vision and personal goals and help you build skills to reach them.

Benefits of being a Mentor

• The personal satisfaction you will get from contributing to the professional development of the Mentee by sharing your experience and knowledge.
  
• Knowing you have contributed to the success of a new business which in turn will benefit your community as a whole.
  
• The recognition of being a part of the program which provides new entrepreneurs with the information and guidance they need so that they have the best chance possible to make a success of their business.
  
• The opportunity to expand your network and make contacts that can provide you on going support after the completion of the program.
  

Note: Mentoring is on a volunteer basis.

How it works

You will be matched with area business leaders who have expertise which match your objectives. Your mentorship will be limited to nine months (May-February) and you will meet with your advisory board for at least two hours per month. Once you have received the information on your mentor(s) it will be your responsibility to setup the time and place of your periodic meetings.