Mentor Participation Form

The Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA) has graduated over 500 program participants. Now, many alumni are ready to start their first business, want to grow an existing business or overcome an obstacle. Others are simply looking for direction in their business life. In October 2006, SEA launched a mentorship program to address these issues. Seven alumni participated in the launch of the mentorship program. We are now ready to accept more applications from potential mentors and mentees. Here is how it works:

SEA matches experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals (mentors) with alumni requesting help (mentees). Mentors provide advice, guidance, constructive feedback, and referrals to other resources. Participants decide how best to communicate, e.g., face-to-face, by e-mail, by phone. Geographic proximity with your mentor is not necessary. The initial mentorships are ongoing, but here are some of the comments received thus far.

Aaron Thomas (mentee) paired with John Walter (mentor) – “John's help has been invaluable. His questions made me think about my business and helped point it in a new, exciting direction. He got me to focus on what I enjoyed about my business which has given me a new passion for the work. This program has been an incredible success for me and my business."

John Walter (mentor) – “It is gratifying to ask questions, draw on my experience, and provide suggestions to spur positive action. I learn in the process and form a bond with an SEA graduate I would not otherwise have met. Success comes from seeing the mentee achieve.”

Daren Blonski (mentee) paired with Charlene Angelo (mentor) - "Charlene's help in guiding and directing my development in learning to work with State agencies has been very helpful. Charlene has already been through this lengthy process; it helps to know the short cuts."

Matching Process: An SEA committee will match mentors and mentees based on information provided in the registration form. Matching criteria include:

•   Mentor’s background and experience and Mentee’s needs, •   Mentor and Mentee’s desired time commitment •   Types of interaction desired by Mentor and Mentee, and •   Participants’ location and gender, if appropriate.

As a Mentee, you will have the opportunity to: •   Have your business goals and objectives reviewed and analyzed. •   Receive constructive feedback about personal and professional skill sets needed for your business. •   Obtain guidance about next steps and how to take them. •   Create a focused development plan with your Mentor and work towards achieving the stated goals.

If you are interested in participating as either a mentor or mentee, please submit registration form to Linda Chock at .www.sealink.org.