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Become a Virtual Accelerator Mentor

Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), a nonprofit with a proven track record of helping underrepresented individuals successfully start a business, is testing a no-cost, 12-week virtual business accelerator program for individuals residing in Arizona, California, or Texas.

Mentors play a critical role in the EforAll Business Accelerator program, providing ongoing support and encouragement to an aspiring entrepreneur looking to start a business. Mentors get the opportunity to utilize their knowledge and professional experience as part of a dedicated mentor team during this program.

This role is great for anyone looking for a highly rewarding and fun volunteer experience who can dedicate the time needed to help someone pursue their business dream.

Role of an EforAll Mentor

  • Utilize professional knowledge and expertise to serve as a resource for an entrepreneur, reaffirming topics and themes raised during classes
  • Help an entrepreneur understand customer segments, test and refine business models, set goals, and ultimately get their businesses started 
  • Ask thoughtful questions that prompt the entrepreneur to reflect instead of just providing the entrepreneur with answers
  • Serve as a sounding board for entrepreneur to share concerns and questions
  • Build a partnership centered around trust and respect
  • Help set and prioritize goals while the entrepreneur is navigating this fast-paced Accelerator program

Who Makes a Good Mentor

  • Loves our mission
  • An empathetic and active listener capable of providing clear feedback
  • A passionate connector willing to open doors   
  • A team player open to collaborating with other mentors as part of a dedicated team.
  • Someone who can commit to the process. Must be able to conduct weekly 60 minutes online calls with their entrepreneur for 12 weeks 
  • Come from a wide variety of backgrounds.  No specific business, industry, or entrepreneurial experience is required.
  • Has read and signed the EforAll Mentor Handbook

Ready to Apply? 

We are excited to talk with you more about this program. You just need to provide some basic information so our team can follow up with you as soon as possible!  Preference will be given to mentors residing in Arizona, California, or Texas.   

Apply Now

Meet Our Mentors

Read More Stories > 

EforAll Mentor Benefits

  • Sense of satisfaction from helping others
  • Personal and professional knowledge by working with individuals in other industries
  • Opportunity to network with other professionals.
  • Supportive and close-knit EforAll community

Do’s for mentors:

Entrepreneurs are the CEOs of their businesses; it is up to them to make the final decisions. Mentors are encouraged to share their opinions but not to make decisions for them.

Finding the answers or coming to the conclusion on their own is a much more rewarding and impactful experience than simply being told the answer.

It is the entrepreneur’s responsibility to set the agenda and be mindful of the 90-minute time limit.

During meetings, listen to what the entrepreneur is saying, ask questions that help you really understand what they want, reflect on what you are hearing and understanding, and support them.

Be open-minded and adaptable.

Ask important questions at the moment.

Keep a consistent schedule for meetings.

Encourage collaboration with fellow mentors and take turns providing feedback.

Turn to the EforAll staff if you have any problems or if a change arises.

Don’ts for mentors:

As a mentor, you are there to help the entrepreneur, not to fulfill your own business opportunities or for personal gain.

It’s not about writing checks or helping with financing. It’s about making sure entrepreneurs learn how to run a successful business through open ideas, knowledge and experience.

Don’t hijack the discussion, and make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.