|
|
 Back to Archives     |
Mentor-Entrepreneur Program Empowers Small Businesses to Succeed 10.19.05 IRVING, Oct. 19, 2005 — The North Texas Commission is currently accepting applications for its 2006 Mentor-Entrepreneur Program. The purpose of the NTC Mentor-Entrepreneur Program is to improve the economy of the Metroplex by developing the capabilities of women and minority-owned, small businesses. Founded in 1993, the Mentor-Entrepreneur Program was designed to nurture the professional development, productivity and overall success of small businesses in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex through the formation of a mentor-entrepreneur relationship with a suitable, larger and more experienced business. According to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), women business owners are critically important to the American economy. America's 9.1 million women-owned businesses employ 27.5 million people and contribute $3.6 trillion to the economy. The North Texas Commission is a strong advocate for small businesses and women entrepreneurs and offers a tailor-made mentoring program to help them start, grow and compete in global markets by providing quality business forums, mentor matching and access to resources. Since its inception in 1993, more than 450 Metroplex entrepreneur companies have been mentored in this nationally recognized program. In 1999, the Mentor-Entrepreneur Program was recognized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a model BuisinessLINC business-to-business mentoring program for other cities to emulate. Currently, 19 cities have implemented the program across the nation. For over 12 years, the program has helped women and minority-owned, small businesses achieve higher productivity and success by partnering them with larger, more experienced organizations to receive business-mentoring support. Participation in the Mentor-Entrepreneur Program provides numerous benefits to both the entrepreneur and mentor. Entrepreneurs gain knowledge and key advice from a skilled business mentor in a specific area of need, a better understanding of the decision-making and procurement processes of large companies, and the opportunity to network and establish key contacts within their mentor company. Mentor companies often gain a better understanding of their customers, a camaraderie and sense of fulfillment among their employees who are dedicated to helping the business community, and a chance to improve the overall Metroplex economy by helping entrepreneurs succeed in a competitive business environment. Eligible entrepreneurs must have been in business at least two years, have a workforce of two or more employees, have a principal office in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and submit a $50 application fee. Mentor requirements include dedicating a few hours each month to their entrepreneur company, coordinating the use of internal resources to better assist the entrepreneur, and maintaining the confidentiality of the entrepreneur’s business details. Beginning in December, the Mentor-Entrepreneur Program Steering Committee will match mentors and entrepreneurs to form approximately 25 mentoring relationships for the upcoming year. Mentors serve as experienced business coaches who advise entrepreneurs of strategies to elevate their businesses to the next level of success. At the end of the year, the partnerships are evaluated by the program steering committee and those that have achieved outstanding program results are recognized at the award luncheon. Applications to participate in the 2006 Mentor-Entrepreneur Program will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 28. For more information or to request an application, please contact Liz Samuel, program manager, by phone at (972) 621-0400, ext. 123 or by e-mail at liz@ntc-dfw.org. Registration forms are available on the NTC web site. Established in 1971, the North Texas Commission is a regional non-profit consortium of businesses, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, economic development entities and higher education institutions in the North Texas Region. The Commission is the one and only public-private regional organization committed to enhancing the overall economic vitality and quality of life of North Texas. NTC improves the economy, infrastructure and lifestyle of North Texas by leading and directing regionally cooperative initiatives to accomplish objectives in four primary areas: transportation, aviation, environment and long-range strategies. Visit the NTC Web site at www.ntc-dfw.org for current business news and opportunities to help build the region of choice. |
 |