Small Business Mentors NYC Application

The Small Business Mentors NYC Program is the New York City’s inaugural mentorship business mentorship program for the city’s most vulnerable businesses. The program provides supportive services for businesses located in low-income communities severely impacted by COVID-19 who do not have the same access to resources as other businesses.

SBS is looking for local business owners to mentor these at-risk businesses.  Please help us keep the promise of economic opportunity alive for New Yorkers by donating your time as a mentor for our new Small Business Mentors NYC Program.

Commitment:
- A commitment to the Small Business Mentors NYC Program until December 2021.
- A minimum of 2 sessions per month (group or one-on-one sessions)
- Use of photographic likeness in Small Business Mentors NYC and New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) website and marketing materials for SBS programs.
- Promotion of all scheduled Small Business Mentors NYC sessions that the mentor will lead.

Required Qualifications:
-A founder (with equity) or an owner of a successful business that is currently operating in NYC
-A resident of NYC or owner of a NYC M/WBE certified firm

-Has owned or operated a storefront including but not limited to restaurants, grocery stores, bodegas, retail spaces, or offices in NYC
-Willing to volunteer their time without payment or an ulterior business development goal

Preferred Qualifications:
-Reflects NYC’s diversity of thought, experience, culture, identity, or background
-Has demonstrated a commitment to community service and small business support services
-Has previous experience as a mentor and/or mentee
-Is a proven connector; either has established or is part of an established network
-Proficient in English and one or more of the following languages commonly spoken in black and brown communities:  Arabic, Ibo, Kru, French, French Creole, Somali, Spanish, Portuguese, Mande, and Yoruba.