Mentor Protégé Program

Our goal is to foster an environment that supports the development of small and diverse businesses within the City of Gainesville and in our surrounding communities. 

The Mentor Protégé Program is a year-long program that pairs emerging businesses (protégés) with established businesses (mentors) to build a strong network of local diverse businesses that are well-equipped and qualified to do business with the City of Gainesville.

Mentors and protégés are paired according to industry and interest. During the year, there will be a series of enrichment sessions, where city departments, business leaders and industry professionals will facilitate discussions on diverse topics. A schedule of these sessions will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

Our expectations for mentors are to commit to the following:

• Meeting with protégé at least one time per month (online, phone, in-person… at your discretion)
• Maintaining responsive communications with protégé (agreed upon communication)
• Actively engaging protégé (i.e. offering tips/strategies to assist in business growth)
• Attend and participate in sessions

Our expectations for protégés are to commit to the following:

• Meeting with mentor at least one time per month (online, phone, in-person… at your discretion)
• Maintaining responsive communication with mentor (agreed upon communication)
• Actively engaging mentor (i.e. seeking guidance to improve business
• Attend and participate in sessions

Application submissions for protégés have been closed as we have received the maximum number of applicants for the 2024 Mentoring Program. We are however still accepting applications for mentors through January 26, 2024. Download the invitation packets for mentors, which include the applications, below. 

If you have additional questions, please email If you have additional questions, please email sbpp@gainesvillefl.gov.