Entrepreneurial Mentoring: Support for Entrepreneurs

At SBA we work every day to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to create an economy built to last.  From the main street restaurant to the startup clean energy company, small businesses create 2 out of every 3 new jobs in America. 

A mentor can be one of the most valuable resources for startups and small businesses looking to start, grow and create jobs. Throughout my career, I have had privilege of mentoring several dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs.  The relationships I formed with those small business owners not only supported their growth and development as businesses, but also had a profound impact on me as a businesswoman. And those experiences remain with me today.

Mentors are crucial to the success of entrepreneurs and small business owners.  Mentors work through a variety of organizations and help their communities create and grow great businesses with one common goal – to help their peer entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed by supporting their efforts through teaching, training, and consulting.  SBA is proud to support the roughly 14,000 counselors that work with our resource partners all across the country that do this on a daily basis, as well as the countless other mentors and counselors we collaborate with on a regular basis.

Today SBA and the administration are celebrating entrepreneurial mentors at an event at the White House.  I’m fortunate to be able to help recognize these Champions of Change – leaders in their communities who are examples of great entrepreneurial mentors.  Our Champions range from a successful corporate program manager who is volunteering her time to mentor small businesses win supply chain business to a decorated Vietnam War veteran now running a veterans entrepreneurship program in the Midwest.     

All of these champions help entrepreneurs develop business plans, project growth, provide advice on tackling tough issues and so much more.   They are examples of some of the great leadership across the country and I hope you’ll take the time to learn more about them at http://www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

About the Author

Marie Johns is Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is responsible for management and oversight of the agency, and leads the agency’s efforts to reach underserved communities.