BECU Inclusive Entrepreneur Program Mentors- Bridge for Billions

days to apply

Your expertise can shape the future of a local business.

Mentor in the BECU Inclusive Entrepreneur Program and uplift BIPOC founders to reach their entrepreneurial potential. Ready to make a difference? Register on our platform, fill in your application and apply to be part of this unique program!

Volunteer opportunity

Apply before:

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Applications open until April 3rd

Online

United States

5 months

Certificate of participation available

Make an impact on the small business community

Support a project that excites you

Meet entrepreneurs and their projects, then support the project that sparks your interest.

Learn on the go, alongside entrepreneurs

We believe in active learning! We'll provide you with a clear mentoring structure and resources explained in a simple way.

Get the latest business tools

As a mentor, we will equip you with the same top-notch entrepreneurship tools we offer to participants.

Professional growth

Enhance your leadership and coaching skills through active listening and effective communication.

A powerful and structured mentoring program

Guidance and flexibility

You will be able to mentor from anywhere in the world thanks to the Bridge for Billions digital platform. Our goal is to make mentoring flexible and impactful, breaking down barriers of distance and schedules.

Make a real impact

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Support and guide entrepreneurs as they turn their business ideas into reality, driving positive change in your local community.

Build connections

Joining as a mentor means more than just giving back; it's about growing your network too. You'll meet passionate entrepreneurs and fellow mentors, creating lasting connections and discovering new opportunities.

About the BECU Inclusive Entrepreneur Program

Funded through the Black Community Development Project, the BECU Inclusive Entrepreneur Program aims to empower BIPOC founders to embrace their entrepreneurial potential and gain the skills needed to launch or grow a successful business. As a member-focused credit union, BECU advocates for financial freedom for all our communities. That’s why this program has been specifically designed for BIPOC founders.

To truly make a difference, we’re harnessing the power of community. We’re seeking mentors who can provide not just expertise and perspective, but also the emotional support our entrepreneurs need to navigate their journey. Your guidance will help these founders turn their ideas into reality, contributing to a future where financial freedom is accessible to all.

Are you ready to join us in breaking barriers and fostering growth?

Interested in Mentoring? You are the right fit if you...

Feel enthusiastic about the idea of supporting entrepreneurs on their path to success.
Have at least 5 years of post-academic work experience.
Are willing to dedicate at least 1.5 hours a week for to have follow-up meetings with your entrepreneur.
Have a computer and stable internet access.

Curious about joining us? Our Info Sessions have the answers.

Register to learn more about this program, meet our staff and ask us questions.

How to apply to the program?

🖊️

Create your profile

1

Start by clicking on the “Apply now!” button.

Fill in your personal information to set up an account on our platform.

Remember your email and password for future access.

📝

2 Complete all sections

Work at your own pace through all sections of the application.

Once completed, all the checkmarks at the top will turn blue, indicating that you’re ready to submit.

Note: An asterisk “*” next to the question indicates that the field is required.

🚀

Submit your application and await further news

3

We recommend that you review your application in detail one last time. If you’re good to go, click “Submit” in the lower right corner.

Make sure to submit your application by 3 April.

Our team will be in touch with a notification about the status of your application.

Apply before:

Days

Hours

Submit your application
by 3 April, 2024

Important dates

Applications

Open until 3 April

Start by making a profile on our platform and telling us more about you and your project. After you send in your application, we'll look through all the applicants who are interested in joining program.

Participant announcement

10 April

We'll carefully review all applications to choose 15 participants for this edition. If selected, your next step will be to accept your spot in the program!

Welcome session

12 April

Join us for a welcome session to dive into the details program! We'll introduce you to the program's schedule, your role, and the tools you'll use to develop your business. Don't miss out on this chance to learn more about what lies ahead.

Entrepreneurship program

29 April - 29 August

The online incubation experience begins! From here you'll dive into weekly mentoring sessions, use the practical tools in our digital platform, and follow our entrepreneurship step-by-step plan. You will have 5 months to complete all the modules and develop your business plan.

Frequently asked questions from our mentors

How much time should I dedicate to the program as a mentor?

During the 5 months of the program, you will have to meet once a week with your entrepreneur for 1-hour to check-in on their progress, validate their work, and discuss next steps. On top of that, we estimate that these meetings take at least 30 minutes of for prep work and reviewing their progress on the platform.

Is there financial compensation for mentoring?

Although we do not offer monetary compensation, you will receive something invaluable: the satisfaction of making a real difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and their communities. Additionally, in recognition of your dedication and contribution, we will award you a Mentoring Certificate upon completion of the program. This certificate symbolizes not only your generosity and commitment, but also the positive impact you have made as a mentor and the skills you’ve gained through this process.

What gadgets do I need for the program?

For the program, we recommend you use a computer with Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. But you can also use your phone.

Make sure your internet is stable for weekly activities and video calls with your entrepreneur.

Can I mentor more than one project?

Absolutely. But we encourage you to thoughtfully consider your availability and commitments. It’s important not to overextend yourself or commit to more than you can handle time-wise and energy-wise.

How are mentors and entrepreneurs matched?

To facilitate the process of connecting mentors and entrepreneurs, we have created the “matching” process.

During this time, you will have the opportunity to learn about the different projects and invite them to a “Virtual Coffee” to learn about their ideas in detail, and then both parties can decide if they want to work together. Thus, we ensure that we create solid, lasting mentoring relationships based on mutual interest.

Contact Us

Meet Stephanie, Program Manager at Bridge for Billions.
You can send her an email with any questions you have about the program.

She’ll be happy to hear from you!

This program has been built by

For more information, please visit our website

days to apply

Your expertise can shape the future of a local business.

Mentor in the BECU Inclusive Entrepreneur Program and uplift BIPOC founders to reach their entrepreneurial potential. Ready to make a difference? Register on our platform, fill in your application and apply to be part of this unique program!

Volunteer opportunity

Apply before:

Applications open until April 3rd

Online

United States

5 months

Certificate of participation available

Make an impact on the small business community

Support a project that excites you

Learn on the go, alongside entrepreneurs

Get the latest business tools

Professional growth

A powerful and structured mentoring program

Guidance and flexibility

Make a real impact

Build connections

About the BECU Inclusive Entrepreneur Program

Interested in Mentoring? You are the right fit if you...

Curious about joining us? Our Info Sessions have the answers.

Register to learn more about this program, meet our staff and ask us questions.

How to apply to the program?

🖊️

Create your profile

1

📝

2

Complete all sections

🚀

Submit your application and await further news

3

Apply before:

Submit your application by 3 April, 2024

Important dates

Frequently asked questions from our mentors

Contact Us

Submit your application
by 3 April, 2024