Black Business Residency: Become a Mentor

Never mentored before? No problem. As an industry professional and leader, you have what it takes to make a positive difference to an early-stage creative business.

We believe your professional work is your activism and because of this, we'll provide you with the necessary training to become an effective mentor, offering you the opportunity to:

Access mentoring, leadership and anti-racism training through the “Changemaker Programme”, delivered by Mentor Black Business (MBB)
Be matched with a creative on the Black Business Residency to offer 6-months of mentorship

Mentors will only be required to commit 3 hours a month to the programme, if they wish to take part in the Changemaker workshops. If you are already an experienced mentor, you will only have to commit around 1 hour a month!

Could it be you?

If you are passionate about supporting the growth of an early-stage Black owned business, we encourage you to apply.

Giving back is easy. Be a mentor to share your skills & expertise and help propel the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A MENTOR

This programme sets out to empower Black businesses to thrive and drive towards success through the powerful practice of mentoring. Over 6-months, you will have the opportunity to take part in the following:

Phase 1	APPLY TO BE A MENTOR Anyone can be a mentor and so can you. Make yourself available to be matched with businesses on the Black Business Residency.
Phase 2	GET MATCHED WITH A MENTEE BUSINESS We will pair you with a business that aligns with your skills and expertise. If you are not paired with a mentee this time through the Black Business Residency, you will be included on Mentor Black Business' wider mentor register and you will still have the opportunity to participate in the Change Maker Programme if you'd like.
Phase 3	CHANGE MAKER PROGRAMME TRAINING Partake in 6-months of online training to help you provide effective mentorship. The programme will also address anti-racism and inclusivity to allow you to develop a resilient & adaptable culture and ultimately become a leader of change.
Phase 4	MENTOR A BUSINESS Use our Mentorship training guide to navigate you through mentoring a business. The guide will help you and your mentee business document milestones and stay on track as you progress through the 6-month programme.

WHY BECOME A MENTOR?

Helping businesses achieve sustainable growth - Through mentoring a creative business, you can have a positive impact on their entrepreneurial success.
Best in class training - Each month you will learn about a new mentoring skill or topic as part of the Change Maker Programme. For example, month 1 is essential Anti-Racism training (delivered via Zoom, directly by MBB).
Opportunities to Network - We offer the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded mentors and all the amazing creative businesses on the programme.

WHAT IS THE VALUE?

There is no cost to become a mentor, other than your time and commitment.

For mentors who are matched with a creative business from the Black Business Residency, you will benefit from 6-months of free training and development led by Mentor Black Business, worth a value of £500.

FAQ

How much time is required to become a mentor?
Approximately three hours per month, which will consist of one hour of mentorship and two hours of online training over a six-month period.

How will you determine what business I am matched with?
We will ask you to list your areas of expertise, which will be matched against the mentee business’ desired areas of development.

What if I don’t get matched with a business?
There will be 25 businesses on the Black Business Residency. If we cannot pair you with a mentee on this programme, you will still have the opportunity to become a mentor through Mentor Black Business.

Apply now

The Black Business Residency is sponsored by Morgan Stanley

supported by M&C Saatchi Group