Entrepreneur FAQ’s

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding being an entrepreneur in Mentor Connect. if you have further questions please contact us.

HOW DO I ENROLL IN MENTOR CONNECT?

Fill out and submit a Venture Information Form. Next, you will be asked to sign and return the Venture Acknowledgement and Release form before Mentor Connect sets up your first meeting with two or more mentors.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AS A VENTURE IN MENTOR CONNECT?

You can expect frank, unbiased and in depth consultations with a team of highly experienced mentors over an extended period- with zero strings attached. Your business concept, strategy, business plan and investor pitch will all receive great scrutiny, and will benefit tremendously. We provide advice and guidance; you provide the “do”. We expect you to request a face-to-face meeting on a regular basis (every 1 or 2 months) with your mentors (phone calls and emails may replace these in-person meetings when you’re busy in an execution phase).

WHAT TYPES OF VENTURES CAN JOIN MENTOR CONNECT?

We’re looking for companies with an innovation or export focus, based in Cape Breton – Mulgrave who are looking for guidance on how to start and/or grow their business.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING FOR A VENTURE TO BE A PART OF MENTOR CONNECT?

No. All of the advice, guidance and coaching services you receive from Mentor Connect is free, nor will you ever be asked for equity in your company. All mentors must adhere to a strict code of ethics.

WHO ARE THE MENTORS?

Our mentors are highly experienced volunteers, with great depth and range of experience. They are passionate, and want to help grow the Cape Breton- Mulgrave entrepreneurial community. You will be connected with mentors who best suit your venture and its stage of development. Your mentor team may change to best match the stage you are in, and the expertise you require.

WHAT IF I HAVE PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS?

Feel free to talk to anyone of the Mentor Connect staff. Katelyn is a great place to start. Call 902-625-0958 or email info@mentorconnectonline.com

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR RULES I’VE GOT TO KEEP IN MIND?

Every mentor has agreed to abide by a Statement of Guiding Principles and Conflict of Interest Guidelines. While they’re all important, two core principles are vital – confidentiality and conflict of interest. We are entrusted with critical information that we must protect. Mentors must notify the Mentor Connect office of any financial involvement with any venture and remove themselves from their mentor role with respect to that particular venture. If there is any doubt, play it safe and talk to the office staff.

Entrepreneurs Apply

testimonials

  • “Being a part of the Mentor Connect program has been an incredible experience. The knowledge and experience we’ve been able to glean from our mentors has proven invaluable to us in helping to get our business established.”

    – Artisync

  • “Having people to bounce ideas off, discuss challenges, and celebrate wins with helps keep us motivated to achieve our business goals. Without our mentors, we would not be where we are today.”

    – Pizza-Go

  • “Being a mentor in the Mentor Connect program is a personally rewarding experience. I enjoy listening to passionate individuals talk about their ideas, while supporting the development of our next generation of local entrepreneurs.”

     

    – Robert McCharles, McCharles Environmental Services Ltd.

  • “It is a privilege to be part of the Mentor Connect Program. As a mentor, I have been inspired by the next generation of Cape Breton’s entrepreneurs and by their passion and commitment to bringing their innovative and creative ideas to life.”

    – Carol Beaton, CARNAT Consulting and Research

  • “I’ve been working with my own start ups and others for over 10 years. The early stages are always exciting because the possibilities seem limitless. Mentoring at this stage is vital, because it’s often a balancing act between ensuring that the enthusiasm of the founders remains high, while tempering it with a realistic understanding of the challenges they will face.”

    – Joe Menchefski, Innoverus Management and Consulting Inc.

  • “My experience with Mentor Connect has been very personally rewarding. It’s a great feeling to be able to translate my own experiences into valuable advice that directly impacts young entrepreneurs enabling them to more quickly and efficiently build their businesses and develop new products.”

    – Darren Gallop, Marcato Digital Solutions

  • “Working with local Cape Breton companies, helping these creative entrepreneurs get to the next critical stage of their business development, is extremely rewarding. Mentor Connect is a positive force for ventures and mentors alike.”

    – Tracey Boutilier, Vibe Creative Group

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