Gainesville has launched a yearlong Business Mentoring Program designed to support emerging entrepreneurs by connecting them with established business owners. The program aims to enhance business success through mentorship and education, fostering a collaborative environment for growth.
Key Takeaways
- Program Duration: The mentoring program will run for one year, starting in January.
- Mentorship Pairing: Emerging business owners will be paired with experienced mentors based on similar industries and interests.
- Enrichment Sessions: Participants will engage in monthly enrichment sessions led by industry professionals.
- Mutual Benefits: Both mentors and proteges can learn from each other, enhancing their business acumen.
Program Overview
The kickoff event for the Business Mentoring Program took place on December 19 at the Gainesville Regional Utilities’ Administration Building. This initiative is part of the city’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting local businesses.
The program pairs emerging entrepreneurs with established business owners, allowing them to share insights and experiences. The goal is to educate participants on navigating city government processes and developing successful business strategies.
Participant Expectations
Participants in the program are expected to:
- Meet at least once a month.
- Maintain open communication.
- Actively engage in discussions and activities.
- Attend enrichment sessions to broaden their knowledge.
Success Stories
Diani Peques, founder of the Riley Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I’m looking for a mentor that can help me grow and connect me with resources and open up my networking more.” The Riley Foundation focuses on providing quality daycare services in low-income areas, aiming to create a supportive community.
Benefits of Mentorship
City officials highlight that emerging businesses can gain valuable insights from their mentors, including:
- Defining business goals and strategies.
- Exploring joint-venture opportunities.
- Enhancing networking capabilities.
While many participants are in industries that directly engage with the city, the program is open to businesses from various sectors, ensuring a diverse range of experiences and knowledge sharing.
The Role of Mentors
Faylene Welcome, coordinator of the Small Business Program for the Office of Equity and Inclusion, noted that the program has been running for about ten years and has proven beneficial for both mentors and proteges. Mentors like Florzelle Fields emphasize the importance of ethics and commitment in the mentoring relationship, stating, “It’s all about sustainability.”
Jerome Guilford, a mentor and owner of Knight Raven Enterprises LLC, shared his journey from being a protégé to a mentor. He expressed excitement about helping others grow, saying, “The Mentoring Protégé Program can be very rewarding if you are willing to put in the work.”
Conclusion
The Gainesville Business Mentoring Program represents a significant step towards nurturing local entrepreneurship. By fostering connections between emerging and established business owners, the program aims to create a thriving business community that benefits all participants. As the program kicks off in January, many are eager to see the positive impact it will have on Gainesville’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Sources
- New businesses benefit from program sponsored by city of Gainesville, Gainesville Sun.
