The pilot BDC mentorship program was launched in August 2007 and was completed in February 2008.

The purpose of the program was to engage entrepreneurs identified by the BDC in a process which exposes them to experienced, accomplished professionals who, through the process of mentoring, assisted in building the capacity of these individuals to effectively lead their businesses.

Coming out of the success of the pilot program, the BDC re-launched the program on a larger scale targeted at 15 mentors and 15 mentees. The new program included a training component which covered Strategic Planning, Finance, Process Improvement and Human Resources practices.

Arising from the success of both phases, the BDC now seeks to establish an Online Mentorship Network which provides an excellent opportunity for past and prospective Mentors and Mentees to collaborate, share insights and gain information.

AUDIENCE PROFILE

For Mentors
• Must be experienced entrepreneurs, senior executives retired businessmen, business lecturers and professionals. Skills would be drawn from a diverse range including general management, administration, finance & accounting, manufacturing, marketing & sales, human resources, production and distribution, international trade and export, technology and legal.
• Must be passionate and committed to business development and thus are willing to volunteer their time specifically to help smaller businesses.
• Must exhibit corporate social responsibility.
• Must be computer literate

For Mentees
• Must own and actively run a company which is registered in Trinidad and Tobago and is operating for more than one (1) year but less than five (5) years.
• Employs a minimum of 26 employees with a minimum asset base of $1,500,000 and/or a minimum sales turnover of $5,000,000 per annum.
• Must be a registered member on the BDC’s smeXchange.com website. If not already a member you can sign up now at www.smexchange.com
• Must be computer literate.

Registration Process

STEP 1
Submit the Mentor/Mentee Application Form located on www.bdc.co.tt

STEP 2
Await confirmation e-mail informing whether your application was successful, receive access code and guidelines.

STEP 3
Sign on to the Online Mentorship Network from anywhere at any time and post/respond to questions.

For further information or clarification, please contact

Camille James
623-5507 ext 225 or
email:cjames@bdc.co.tt

Registration Form