Mentoring, is it for me?

Mentoring for entrepreneurs is a relationship in which an entrepreneur is matched with an experienced business manager in order to:

  • Validate business strategies and decisions;
  • Acquire self confidence;
  • Develop managerial skills;
  • Build a business network.

This special relationship encourages sharing of values, expertise and self management skills in strict confidentiality.

Mentoree: An entrepreneur who wishes to grow, learn and develop his expertise and sense of entrepreneurship.

  • Must be the principal shareholder or owner of a business that has been operating for more than six months;
  • Is willing to be matched with a mentor for a period of one year.

Mentor: An expert in his business domain, he has the knowledge and experience to guide the mentoree.

  • Is available for 30 to 40 hours per year of volunteer work;
  • Mentors at least one individual per year;
  • Attends at least one professional development workshop per year.

To become a mentor or mentoree, contact our Communications/Marketing and Mentorship Agent at 450.370.3332 or communication@sadc-suroitsud.org

Mentor, Coach or Consultant?

Advisers counsel, coaches help develop a specific skill or competency, consultants recommend, and mentors guide and motivate.

Consultants, coaches and advisors generally focus on knowledge and know-how. They master a specific area and are paid to carry out or to help accomplish a mandate or a set of objectives tied directly to their field of expertise and designed to produce short-term results for a business.

Mentors from Réseau M are qualified and experienced entrepreneurs who volunteer to regularly guide another entrepreneur over a longer term. The mentorees not only acquire more entrepreneurial savvy, but also learn to take a step back to better assess their options and thus move on to make their own decisions.

Five truths about Mentoring for entrepreneurs

  1. Businesses’ survival rates increase considerably if their owners have been mentored.
  2. Whereas coaches and consultants focus on know-how, mentors concentrate on attitude, self-management and life skills. Coaches help build specific skills or competencies; consultants make recommendations on a specific scenario, and mentors “accompany” mentorees in their role as entrepreneurs.
  3. Mentors are guides and confidants for mentorees, helping them break their isolation, sharpen their entrepreneurial instincts, take a sober second look at things and see the way more clearly.
  4. To avoid conflicts of interest, mentors do not work in the same field as their mentorees and cannot enter into a business relationship with them.
  5. Mentoring isn’t just for novice entrepreneurs: it can be just as helpful for those contending with a growing business or with a business transfer.