Mentor Protégé Programs Nancy N. Alvarez-Hernandez Business Development Specialist U.S. Small Business Administration
What is the Mentor Protégé Program? A vehicle primarily designed to promote a business’ growth and development through a knowledgeable, skillful and experienced entrepreneur.
Definitions Mentor - A wise and trusted counselor or teacher. Protégé - a person who receives support and assistance from a participating mentor, teacher to further the protégé's business development goals.
Why Is Mentoring Important? - Contributes to the U.S. economy - Assist entrepreneurs succeed - Give back to community - New ideas and technologies
How Can Mentors Help? Experience and lessons learned. Goal attainment. Support/guidance of procurement ventures. Capital Injection. Insight/direction on expert matters. Expand networking contacts.
Benefits of Mentoring Goodwill and Corporate Responsibility Credit and Direct Reimbursement Long-term Relationship Increase Vendor Database Innovative Approaches/Technologies Meet Subcontracting Goals Earn Points in Technical Evaluation Criteria Access to Set-Aside Federal Procurements
Mentor’s Role & Responsibilities 1.Teacher 2.Guide 3.Counselor 4.Motivator a.Encouragement b.Support c.Incentives 5.Sponsor 6.Coach 7.Advisor a.Action Plan -Target Areas -Development Activities -Success Indicators 8.Role Model 9.Referral Agent/Door Opener
Benefits to the Protégé Exposure/Interaction with Mentor Technology/Capability Transfer Business Management Financial Management Business Planning and Projections Marketing/Sales Outreach Joint Venture Access to Capital and Credit Contract Assistance Bid/Proposal Writing Enhanced Competitiveness
How Do I Participate? 1.Develop a Business Plan 2.Conduct a “Needs Assessment” 3.Identify/Research Prospective Mentors 4.Select Mentor
5.Conduct a Good Fit Attribute Assessment a. Growth Expectation b. Goal Drive c. Insightful d. Methodical e. Visionary f. Supportive g. Strategic h. Respected/Admired i. Patient
How Do I Participate? (Cont.) 6.Start Proposal Phase a. Develop Mentor/Protégé Agreement Considering: - Needs Assessment - Good Fit Attribute Assessment - Agency’s Mission 7. Sign Agreement/Submit to Agency
Department of Defense Federal Aviation Administration Department of Homeland Security Department of Veteran Affairs Environmental Protection Agency Federal Mentor Protégé Programs
Department of Agriculture Department of Treasury U.S. Air Force U.S. Army Federal Mentor Protégé Programs (Cont.)
More Information Main Webiste: SBA’s Mentor Protégé Program: North Florida District Office Website: Tel:
Questions?