Mentorship
Tap into the expertise of a business mentor
Tap into the expertise of a business mentor
Mentors share their time, wisdom, and connections to help professionals build successful businesses and avoid common mistakes. They are typically highly-successful business leaders who can provide guidance to entrepreneurs with new and growing businesses on a full range of topics including business planning, access to capital strategy, sales, operations, human resources, and much more.
New business owners routinely state that mentorship and connections are very important. However, entrepreneurs must be open and committed to learning, as well as willing to make the time to meet with their mentor.
On this page, entrepreneurs will find information about three high-quality mentor networks including their specialties and details to help determine which may be the best fit for you. All of these options provide no-cost, confidential mentorship services.
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors. The Traverse City chapter includes more than 45 highly successful and experienced business professionals with knowledge to help entrepreneurs in Northern Michigan achieve their goals. The Traverse City chapter also offers local workshops and resources.
Visit the SCORE website and submit the mentor request form.
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides confidential, no-cost consulting, training, and market research to both new and growing businesses. They also offer specialized support for advanced technology startups with a team of consultants who have first-hand experience innovating, launching, commercializing, funding, and exiting successful tech startups.
Visit the Michigan SBDC website and submit a request for business services.
The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) offers a network of national mentors with a special interest in working with tech entrepreneurs in small towns like Traverse City. Entrepreneurs will be matched with best-in-class mentors based on the specialized industry of their business and/or their specific needs.
The CORI mentorship program is by referral only. If you are a 20Fathoms member, please contact us for a referral.