10 Business Mentorship Programs

Photo by Vanessa Garcia

By Eliana Ambrose

​Mentorship is a powerful tool that can significantly impact the success of a business, providing invaluable insights, support, and encouragement. In today's fiercely competitive business landscape, mentorship has emerged as a crucial tool for personal and professional growth. A business mentor is a seasoned and experienced professional who offers guidance, advice, and support to individuals seeking to enhance their careers or business endeavors. Their role extends beyond simply imparting knowledge; they serve as trusted confidants, sharing insights, perspectives, and lessons learned from their own journeys. Mentorship allows individuals to connect with and learn from someone more experienced in their field, accelerating their learning curve and helping them avoid common pitfalls. 

We know it can be hard to find a mentor especially if you don't know where to look, so here are 10 Business Mentorship Programs that can help you find a mentor to improve your business strategy and trajectory.

1. Business Mentor NY Program
  This state-wide, web-based program pairs entrepreneurs and small business owners with skilled volunteers who provide guidance and support. The program is available to any NY State business that employs 100 or fewer employees.

2. SCORE  - SCORE offers free mentoring services to U.S.-based businesses, partnering entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors for one-on-one or small group sessions. Mentors can provide advice, resources, and insights to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and achieve their goals.

3. MicroMentor - This is the world's largest volunteer business mentorship program, allowing entrepreneurs to build relationships, grow their businesses, and connect with mentors who have the experience, background, and knowledge they need. The platform helps entrepreneurs find the right mentor by matching them with global entrepreneurs based on their needs.

4. Women's Business Centers - The Association of Women's Business Centers sustains a network of 100 business centers across the U.S. that support female entrepreneurs with mentoring, training, business development, and finance opportunities. The AWBC also runs conferences where entrepreneurs can connect with potential mentors.

5. Veterans Business Outreach Center - These centers provide entrepreneurial development assistance to veterans, including mentoring programs that can help them start and grow their businesses.

6. Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) - YEA! is a year-long program that guides students in grades 6-12 through the process of starting and running a real business or social movement. The program includes mentorship from local business leaders who help students turn their ideas into a reality.

7. Techstars - Techstars is a global network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. It offers several mentorship-driven accelerator programs that provide access to a community of experts, investors, and corporate partners.

8. TiE Global - TiE Global is a non-profit, global community welcoming entrepreneurs from all over the world. It offers mentorship programs, including TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) for high school students and TiE Women for female entrepreneurs.

9. Future Founders - Future Founders is an organization that believes every youth can become an entrepreneur. It offers a variety of programs, including a mentorship program that pairs young entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders.

10. Cherie Blair Foundation for Women - This foundation offers a mentorship program that connects women entrepreneurs in low and middle-income countries with mentors who provide tailored, one-to-one support.

In conclusion, mentorship is a powerful tool that can significantly impact the success of a business, and finding the right mentor can make a profound difference in the entrepreneurial journey. By participating in mentorship programs, individuals can gain valuable insights, guidance, and support from experienced mentors, ultimately increasing their chances of success and longevity in the business world. If you are looking for a mentor, consider exploring the various mentorship programs available, as they can provide you with the support and guidance needed to achieve your business goals.