Mentors
By partnering with several already-existing, thriving mentor networks, we’ve created a way to be able to hand-pick the best mentor matches for the startups in the program. These mentors will help guide each entrepreneur along their path to success because, through experience, we know that every entrepreneur needs some advice from time to time. To learn more about our mentor networks, read ahead.
Mentor Network / Red de Mentores
Mission
The Mentor Network seeks to stimulate and increase the knowledge curve of high potential entrepreneurs in Chile, through independent volunteer mentoring focused on key business matters.
Opportunity
Those who are at the first stages of a business are expected to have a high potential for growth and most of them confront the same challenges: they become overwhelmed, have little time in their day-to-day activities to think strategically about their business, and have small networks. Thus, most entrepreneurs feel lonely and with little opportunities to share ideas with others. In the case of entrepreneurs who are starting their new endeavors in Latin America, they face even greater challenges: understanding a new culture for doing business, figuring out how to scale their business throughout Latin America, adapting themselves to a different way of networking.
Business mentoring was established on the need of assistance that owners of SME businesses confront to survive and grow. It also provides opportunities to create employment, it prevents crisis, adds networking and speeds the companies’ growth.
The Program
Based on the Business Mentors New Zealand program (an outstanding approach used in New Zealand), ForoInnovación launched Red de Mentores in November 2009.
Currently we have 160 highly qualified mentors, proven successful businessmen or company executives. Their expertise includes a wide array of fields, such as: sales and marketing, general management, finance and accounting, administration, manufacturing, production and distribution, human resources, international trade and export, information technology, and non – profit organizations. They understand Chilean and global business and are willing to share their knowledge and experience to help others achieve higher business standards.
RdM seeks to position itself as the leader Mentor Network in Latin America in order to promote and expand concepts such as innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership throughout the continent. We have developed a local model growing from 30 matches in November 2009, to 150 in December 2010. Currently we are launching our expansion plan starting with Valparaiso and hoping to open 2 regional agencies during 2011.
This multistage program starts with a selection process, which includes a thorough screening of both candidate and business potential. Once accepted, RdM begins the fine tuning matching process focusing on the ideal mix of needs and expertise.
Going forward, a work plan is prepared to establish a 6 month strategic road map (meetings are held once a month for a total of 10 hours). The RdM team is critical in following up on both mentor and entrepreneur.
Fee: CLP $100.000 – (for the 6 month program)
Contact Info
Marcela Fischer and Patricia Sommer
Rosario Norte 555 of. 703, Las Condes, Santiago, ZP 7561211
marcela@redmentores.cl
patricia@redmentores.cl
Phone: (56) 2 430 0772