Attending the 37th Annual International Conference on Business Incubation (ICBI) in Detroit was an unforgettable experience. As a presenter at the session titled “Strategies for Effective Mentoring Programs,” I had the opportunity to speak about Morning Mentoring, a program that matches entrepreneurs and young companies with experienced mentors who provide valuable insights and advice on a range of business topics. I was also thrilled to learn from other like-minded professionals about their strategies for effective mentoring.
The ICBI is an event that brings together entrepreneurial support professionals from all over the world to share knowledge, experiences, and insights. It is an inspiring event where peers lead sessions that focus on relevant topics, and expert keynotes share their inspiring insights. Local ecosystem leaders showcase their programs, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore new strategies, share best practices, learn about current trends, and gather tools and resources. It is evident that the conference attendees are passionate about helping entrepreneurs and young companies grow and succeed.
As a presenter for Morning Mentoring, I had the opportunity to speak about the program and how it helps entrepreneurs and young companies grow and succeed. The program is held weekly on Thursdays and consists of a 10-minute pitch followed by a 45-minute Q&A session. Mentors, who are experienced entrepreneurs, business professionals, VCs, angel investors, and subject matter experts, fill out a scorecard and feedback form after each session, providing valuable insights to help participants improve their business.
The feedback I received from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, and I was pleased to hear that many attendees found the program to be an effective tool for supporting the growth and development of new businesses. One attendee even shared that the program inspired them to create a similar mentoring program in their own community.
The Morning Mentoring program has been running for 18 years and has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs and young companies grow and succeed. Since 2010, participants have been awarded over $38 million in grants, funding, and government contracts. The program is free of charge, and resources such as past session recordings, pitch deck examples, and a scorecard template are available to participants.
Effective mentoring programs are critical to the success of new businesses. They provide entrepreneurs with the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Mentors can help entrepreneurs to develop their skills, refine their ideas, and access the resources they need to succeed.
At the ICBI, I had the opportunity to learn from other professionals about their successful mentoring strategies. One presenter spoke about the importance of setting clear goals and expectations for both mentors and mentees, while another talked about the value of creating a supportive community around the mentoring program. These insights were invaluable and will help me to further improve Morning Mentoring.
Effective mentoring programs share several characteristics. They are well-designed and structured, provide access to experienced and knowledgeable mentors, and offer clear goals and expectations for both mentors and mentees. They also create a supportive community around the mentoring program and provide resources and tools to help entrepreneurs succeed.
One of the key benefits of mentoring programs is the opportunity to access the knowledge and experience of successful entrepreneurs and business professionals. Mentors can offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of starting and growing a business. They can provide advice on everything from developing a business plan to securing funding to navigating the complex regulatory landscape.
Mentoring programs also offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals. This can be an invaluable resource for finding new business opportunities, building partnerships, and accessing resources and tools that can help them succeed.
The Morning Mentoring program has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs and young companies grow and succeed. The program’s success is due in large part to its well-designed structure, the quality of its mentors, and its commitment to providing entrepreneurs with the resources and tools.
Jeremy Fritzhand, Startup Catalyst, Alloy Growth Lab
