Mentoring options for small businesses: Find the right fit for you

Mentors can play a crucial role in the trajectory of a small business through guidance, support and encouragement. Mentors are often industry experts or business professionals who share their insights and knowledge of the industry to help entrepreneurs navigate the ever-changing challenges of business ownership to make more informed decisions.

Many organizations around the country offer mentoring programs and services for small business owners in all stages of their path. Learn about how you can take advantage of these programs, find the right mentor fit for you and your business, and even become a mentor yourself.

MicroMentor

MicroMentor, a program by Mercy Corps, has the largest online community of entrepreneurs and volunteer business mentors. Through a partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, MicroMentor is building out local ecosystems and providing access to business mentoring for thousands of small business owners in the U.S. You can find and connect with mentors and entrepreneurs based on a variety of subjects, such as sales, marketing, management, operations, sustainability, and much more. Ready to connect with MicroMentor? Find the right fit for you.

Are you ready to lend your expertise to mentor other entrepreneurs? Sign up to become a mentor with MicroMentor.

SCORE

SCORE, which is partially funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, fosters vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. Small business owners can find local mentors and resources by simply entering their zip code. Topics on the platform range from advertising, business planning, digital marketing, franchising, product development, and much more. Ready to connect with a SCORE mentor? Find the right fit for you.

If you’d like to volunteer or become a mentor for other entrepreneurs through SCORE, you can get started here.

Small Business Development Centers

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide counseling and training to small business owners, and work with the Small Business Administration to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion. SBDCs are often hosted by colleges, state agencies and private organizations and offer guidance on a range of different topics to help entrepreneurs start, grow and maintain their businesses. Find the nearest SBDC to get free business advising and at-cost training here.

LinkedIn

In this new era of social media, platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with easy access to other entrepreneurs and industry experts by simply searching a job description (think ‘founder,’ ‘CEO,’ etc.) or the company page of a brand you are inspired by. This approach to finding a mentor may take some time and may not be as straightforward, but you can always use this opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and expand your network, even if it doesn’t lead to a full-fledged mentoring relationship.

Have questions about how a mentoring relationship may benefit your small business? Read 4 ways to make the most out of your mentorship.