Mentor Program

Business Link’s Mentor Program is a free mentorship program in Alberta designed to match the next generation of business owners (mentees) with experienced entrepreneurs (mentors). The program fosters a nurturing and supportive environment where mentors offer their wisdom, insights, and experiences to guide and inspire you.

Applications for mentees are now closed. Check back this summer. Mentor applications remain open.

Become a Mentor

Are you an experienced Alberta entrepreneur looking to give back? Become a mentor and develop your leadership skills while sharing your wisdom and experience to inspire new business owners on their journey.

Find a Mentor

Are you a brand-new entrepreneur in Alberta seeking valuable connections and guidance for your startup? Starting your own business can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Business Link will pair you with an experienced entrepreneur whose expertise aligns perfectly with your unique business needs and aspirations.

Mentee Eligibility

Your Alberta-based business has been in operation for less than 1 year.

You’re in the initial stages of developing a business plan.

How it Works

1

Complete the intake application form

2

A Program Coordinator will contact you to get started

3

Participate in a 30-minute virtual onboarding session

4

Get matched with your mentor

Next Steps

Following the initial meetings, there are 3 options for mentees and mentors:

  1. You can formalize your relationship by setting up regular meetings.
  2. You can remain connected with informal or ad-hoc meetings.
  3. If your challenge was solved, you can remain part of the program, and stay connected to resources and events.

Following the mentor program, mentees can move into our Peerpreneur program and give back by becoming a mentor after the business has been running successfully for 3 years.

Ready to Receive Mentorship Support?

Applications will be accepted starting in January 2024.

We are currently not accepting applications.

Due to high demand, we are no longer accepting Mentees; however, we are continuing to accept Mentors. Please check back this Summer for the opportunity to become a Mentee.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Participating in the Business Link Mentor Program offers numerous benefits:

  1. Gain access to a mentor’s expertise and form a connection that helps you navigate common business challenges and make informed business decisions.
  2. Access a safe and open environment to share innovative ideas and give back to the entrepreneurial community.
  3. Establish lifelong professional connections to foster a sense of belonging within the entrepreneurial and small business community.

After you’ve completed the form, our Program Coordinator will act as a “matchmaker” and will carefully assess your needs to match you with mentors in Alberta who are compatible and have similar criteria in their industry and specific needs.

Once matched, mentors and mentees will connect for an initial 30-minute intake meeting (virtually or in-person) to discuss challenges, set goals, and seek guidance.

Following the initial meeting, mentors and mentees will coordinate a 90-minute follow-up session that focuses on motivation and offers advice to overcome startup challenges.

Business Link provides resource materials and supplementary educational content for mentors and mentees to enhance their virtual mentoring experience.

Business Link would like to showcase and celebrate our Alberta-based mentors’ and mentees’ successes and journeys by sharing your inspiring stories on our website, social media platforms, and other marketing materials.

We encourage mentees to stay connected with their mentors by establishing ongoing, informal meetings.