Mentors: Wise counsel for first time entrepreneurs
At last week’s Entrepreneurship 101 lecture, attendees were encouraged to consider their start-up company in the context of a commercial “ecosystem” - their network not only of customers and suppliers, but also government, service providers, trade associations, etc.
One key component of that ecosystem that was not mentioned is that of a mentor — someone who coaches a first time entrepreneur. For example, institutional investors such as VCs often put an executive chair in place to serve that role. Finding such a mentor can be a challenge — MaRS offers volunteer advisors who may end up playing such a role. I’m interested in any examples of how you found a mentor and how they helped (or didn’t help) you achieve success.
Downloads and Resources
- Join the Facebook Group: CIBC Presents Entrepreneurship 101
- Class Summary: Basic Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Company
- Webcast
- Presentation: Watch it below or download it from Slideshare
As the VP of Partner Programs at MaRS, Tony ensures that our external and internal programs work together. Tony also advises entrepreneurs and high growth companies, particularly in environmental, advanced materials and manufacturing markets, with a special emphasis on mentoring and development of entrepreneurs.