Business Resource Center Mentoring Program
Connecting Mentors and Mentees. Driving Sustainability.
Henry County Chamber’s Business Resource Center offers programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs to launch or scale their businesses. With a grant from Kaiser Permanente, the Center will offer one-on-one mentoring to support and encourage small business owners. As experienced guides, mentors provide the necessary skills and knowledge for the mentees to grow their businesses and contribute to a greater purpose.
Thank You to our Mentoring Program Sponsor
The mentorship program is designed to equip mentees to take their business to the next level by providing the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to accelerate their professional development success. Mentors listen to mentees’ ideas, problems, and plans and provide feedback. The mentors will provide you with guidance, constructive criticism, and feedback. Mentors are experienced and knowledgeable in business matters.
Program Structure
Matching mentors and mentees
The Mentoring Program structure reviews and analyzes the following parameters in matching mentors and mentees:
- Industry
- Stage of business: Start-Up vs. Scaling
- Length of time in business
- Level of experience
- Income status
Important Program Dates!
- Program Application Period: November 15, - December 9, 2024
- Program participants will be selected, paired and notified by January 6, 2025
- Program Kickoff: January 15. 2025 (more information will follow after completion of selection process.
- The Mentoring Program will run January 15, 2025 - January, 2026.
Interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee?
Complete the interest form at the button or send an email to info@henrycounty.com
Mentors
Mentees
Qualifications for Mentors
- Member in good standing of Henry County Chamber of Commerce
- Must have a successful established business for at least five years
- Must be a profitable business for at least four years
- Sign a commitment agreement for one year.
Qualifications for Mentees
- Member in good standing of Henry County Chamber of Commerce
- Must have an established business for at least one year
- Must make a profit within the first two years of business
- Sign a commitment agreement for one year
Program Goals and Expectations
Mentees will select two of the following objectives at the program's start. At each meeting, you will discuss your plans for the specified goals. Goals and expectations for the program will focus on the following:
- Infrastructure of the business
- Strategic planning
- Marketing
- Sales
- Scaling your business
- Other concerns or problems in your business
Establishing communication channels
- Entire group meeting with mentors and mentees at the start and end of the program year
- Four one-hour meetings, in-person, once each quarter
- Eight virtual meetings, each month there is no in-person meeting
Mentor-Mentee Relationship
Mentor Responsibilities
Mentor Responsibilities
A business mentor's role is to provide guidance, support, and advice to help the mentee run and grow their business:
- Share expertise: A mentor's experience and knowledge can help a mentee avoid common pitfalls, make strategic decisions, and navigate challenges.
- Offer emotional support: Mentors can encourage and provide a sounding board for mentees feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
- Build a network: Mentors can introduce mentees to their professional networks, leading to potential partnerships and collaborations.
- Help develop skills: Mentors can help mentees develop the skills they need to succeed in business.
- Provide insight into cultural and political issues: Mentors can offer insight into business problems.
- Help with goal setting: Mentors can help mentees hold themselves accountable for their goals.
- Mentors are usually accomplished; successful people face challenges like their mentees. The mentor will be selected through a formal process. Mentors should align with their mentees' goals, values, and industry.
Mentee Responsibilities
Mentee Responsibilities
Success involves actively participating in a partnership where values and goals are shared. Mentees should be proactive, communicate effectively, and be open to feedback. They must understand their goals and be committed to personal and professional development.
- Providing guidance and support: Mentees must communicate their needs, ask questions, and complete assignment from their work product.
- Monitoring progress and feedback: Mentees will discuss the results of the mentoring program worksheet from the previous month.
Training and Development
The Henry County Chamber of Commerce will provide mentors and mentees with resources and support to ensure positive growth for participants and the program's success, including partnerships with SBDC and SCORE.
Organizing Training Workshops
- An introduction to the program—a four-hour workshop to prepare the mentors and mentees for a successful program. Kick-off workshops will be planned to provide the training needed to ensure the program is consistent.
- You can partner with other consultants and SBDC to assist with marketing strategies and business plans.
- Personal and professional development training workshops.
Evaluating Impact and Outcomes
Participant feedback will be gathered to ensure the program includes everything needed for the program's success, which requires commitment from all parties.
Program Evaluation
Assessing Program Effectiveness
Henry County Chamber of Commerce representatives will follow up with the program's mentors and mentees for input and support. The Chamber will send surveys throughout the year for feedback. Results will be combined with results of. Follow up with participants will be done six months and one year after program completion.
Improving for Future Iterations
Your feedback will be used to adjust the program for the following year.