Looking to Become a Mentor?
The BizStarts mentor program consists of seasoned volunteers from the corporate and entrepreneur community. Learn more and apply below to help entrepreneurs succeed!
Our mentor relationships are unique in that they are skill specific. BizStarts taps our mentors’ expertise to support entrepreneurs and founders by focusing on overcoming the next and most important challenge their business faces. Mentors opt-in based on their experience in areas relevant to the needs of new entrepreneurs and for their enthusiasm for the program.
To apply to join the BizStarts Mentor Program, please fill out the application below and follow the prompts. After completing the submission, an RCEDC representative will follow-up with you about your interest in the BizStarts Mentor Program and conclude your application process.
To apply to join the BizStarts Mentor Program, please fill out the application above and follow the prompts. After completing the submission, someone from BizStarts will follow-up with you about your interest in the BizStarts Mentor Program and conclude your application process.
- • Mentors serve as advisors to BizStarts Racine participants.
- • Mentors offer guidance, provide advice on specific problem areas, and connect program participants with resources and where appropriate make connections to wider business and community networks.
- • Mentors are not expected to know all the answers.
- • Mentors do not “do”; rather Mentors provide frank, unbiased, and constructive advice, guidance, consultation, and support to program participants.
- • Entrepreneurs and business leaders with experience in launching, developing or running a business.
- • Business owners and individuals with specialized business skills, such as finance, operations, marketing, and more.
- • Individuals interested in giving back and helping others establish and grow their business idea.
- • Mentors will meet with their assigned mentee for a minimum of 2 hours a month.
The mentor and mentee will work together to define where support and guidance is needed, developing goals and action plans. - • The book “80 Steps to Sustainable Success” will help guide conversations and establish priorities for the program participant. A copy will be provided to mentors and program participants.
- • Mentors are patient and encouraging, often being a cheerleader for the program participants in achieving their goals. Mentors and program staff are not in the “idea killing” business, rather the focus is on supporting the program participants in adapting their ideas.
- • Mentors will participate in a training workshop prior to starting their mentoring assignment.
- • Mentors are provided with tools to help guide initial discussions and set priorities, including receiving a copy of “80 Steps to Sustainable Success.”
- • RCEDC will communicate with Mentors on a monthly basis to track progress and gain feedback on the mentoring relationship.
RCEDC’s mission is to grow Racine County’s property tax base and by supporting business expansions, provide employment opportunities to Racine County residents. In 2023, RCEDC staff were able to facilitate 64 projects that included comprehensive site selection, loans, grants, and incentives resulting in $1.36 billion in private investment and $1.05 billion in new construction.
- Tax-deductible contribution (RCEDC is a 501C(3) org.)
- Discounted admission to all RCEDC events
- Support RCEDC’s mission
- Marketing of your company to RCEDC prospects
- Highlight your company as a preferred resource
