Thanks to:
- X-Tech Foundation
- MassMutual
- Quant Global Foundation
Mentors provide one-on-one assistance to student teams that are participating in any phases of the BPC. Mentors, who commit to a minimum of one 30-minute meeting, will have the opportunity to share their experience and insights with motivated students, network with them, and contribute to the Top University. Mentors are honored and thanked for their participation at a reception to be held at the final round of the BPC.
For a guideline of mentors' responsibilities, visit the Mentoring Guidelines page.
Mentors may include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Entrepreneurs who can troubleshoot and focus a business plan
- Attorneys
- Accountants
- Consultants
- Venture capitalists who can make a business plan more attractive to investors
- Others who can advise students about specific aspects of their business plan
The BPC welcomes interest from prospective mentors. Contact the Directors of Mentoring & Education(dme@hnk.org) for more information.
Mentors are expected to be sensitive to the nature of confidential business planning ideas and materials and respect the intellectual property rights of the student teams. Conflicts of interest should be brought to the attention of the Directors of Mentoring & Education(dme@hnk.org ) .
Is your team missing an important ingredient Need a little more experience or just an extra edge? Then do not delay--get a mentor! Past participants say that mentoring was one of the most valuable aspects to their BPC experience. Every year, seasoned entrepreneurs and other members of the business community offer their knowledge to participating teams. Some of these relationships continue well beyond the BPC. In addition, this resource is offered free of charge.
Please be aware that your mentors are offering their valuable time to assist you. No-shows (for either phone or in-person meetings) will result in the immediate disqualification from the BPC.
Teams may request a mentor during any phase by emailing the Directors of Mentoring(dm@hnk.org) or by registering and filling out the form within the competition area.
Viability
A team may request a mentor while registering for a phase. Every effort is made to ensure that the mentor suits the needs of the team, but no more than one mentor is assigned to each team.
Responsibilities of the Mentor
Mentors will respond to the questions and concerns of the teams, but they will not be expected to steer the development of the business plan. Mentors must commit at least a half hour to the team either by phone or in person. Mentors are allowed and encouraged to spend as much time with the team as they are willing.
Mentors should understand the sensitive nature of confidential business planning ideas and materials and should respect the intellectual property rights of the student teams. Conflicts of interest should be brought to the attention of the Directors of Mentoring Programs (dm@hnk.org).
Responsibilities of the Team
Recognizing that mentors have significant time constraints, teams are expected to be well prepared and focused during their meeting with their mentor. No-shows (for either phone or in-person meetings) will result in the immediate disqualification from the BPC. At various stages in the competition, both the team and its mentor are expected to evaluate and provide feedback on aspects their relationship to the BPC.
After the Business Plan Competition
If and when a team decides to launch its business or to seek funding, formal mentoring provided through the BPC will end. The team and the mentor will have no further obligation to each other, although maintaining a working relationship is encouraged.
At this point, teams and mentors would be welcome to continue their relationship, at the discretion of both parties.
Conflict of Interest
All mentors are giving their time and energy to assist students in the Business Plan Competition. Mentors understand the sensitive nature of your confidential materials and will respect the team's intellectual property rights. Conflicts of interest should be brought to the attention of the Directors of Mentoring Programs so that certain mentors can be avoided due to their current involvement in your particular field of interest.
