Mentorship Responsibilities
As a mentor, you’ll play an important role in supporting an aspiring entrepreneur on their journey. This might include:
- Checking in on progress and sharing updates with the CIE team from time to time
- Joining a volunteer orientation to get to know the program and community
- Participating in CIE’s Start Simple Business Course to better understand the experience of those you’re mentoring
- Helping your mentee stay focused, motivated, and moving toward their business goals
- Making introductions within your network when it feels helpful and appropriate
- Connecting with fellow mentors through occasional meetings or trainings, and sharing your ideas for strengthening the program
Who Makes a Great Mentor?
We’re looking for people who care about supporting small business owners and believe in the potential of every entrepreneur we serve.
Great mentors tend to be thoughtful listeners who can offer encouragement without judgment. Patience, curiosity, and a willingness to understand the real-life challenges our clients face go a long way. An interest in learning more about the structural causes of poverty — and how they impact business ownership — is a plus.
Many of our mentors have experience starting or growing a business, or bring knowledge in a few areas of small business development. We also warmly welcome former CIE clients who have launched their own businesses and want to give back.
