Tyler Ojala is the Director of Operations at WorcLab, a nonprofit tech incubator in Worcester, MA that supports startups and small businesses with everything from labs, desks, and office space to pitch events, seminars, and networking opportunities. Tyler has been volunteering with EforAll for the past two years, serving as a mentor for five cohorts!
What made you want to become a mentor?
I really wanted to contribute, but I was initially unsure if I was the right fit. An EforAll staff member encouraged me to give it a shot, and I’m glad she did.
Is there a specific mentoring experience that you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of my work with my Winter 2025 mentee. I’ve continued to help her form her nonprofit organization and will be joining her board.
What is your favorite part of being an EforAll mentor?
Getting into the weeds of the business. I enjoy helping entrepreneurs structure their revenue model, develop their pitch deck, rethink customer segments, etc.
What do you think makes EforAll special?
EforAll is more than a program—it’s a family and a community. It’s about uplifting those who need help and knowledge. Sharing that knowledge is core to what I do at WorcLab and what I tried to build at Worcester State when I ran the entrepreneurship club. It’s near and dear to my heart.
What advice would you have for entrepreneurs?
If you’re passionate about something, you already have an edge—most people aren’t willing to push through the grind. But passion alone isn’t enough. You must interpret the market. There’s no such thing as a bad idea, just bad timing or the wrong execution. Be willing to pivot, stay close to your customers, and keep pressure-testing your assumptions until the model clicks.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Learn more here.