MENTOR PROTÉGÉ RECOGNITION PROGRAM
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iProgram
Contact:

Tatiana Bruce

Senior Program Manager

[email protected]

225.342.5663

Stephanie Hartman

Director, Small Business Services

[email protected]

225.342.5677

Mentor-Protégé Recognition Program

LED’s Mentor-Protégé Recognition Program connects Louisiana-based small and emerging businesses to technical and developmental assistance provided by mentor companies. These mentor companies assist in building the capacity of the protégé businesses to compete successfully for public and private sector opportunities. LED’s Mentor-Protégé Recognition Program provides a more diverse business environment for companies certified in the Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) program and/or Hudson Initiative, expanding the state’s economy and increasing available quality jobs.

Through this recognition program, mentor and protégé enter into an agreement and identify assistance and milestones for delivery throughout the term. Mentor company is solely responsible for selecting protégé at their discretion. Mentor company and LED will notify successful protégé accordingly.

There are numerous benefits for both mentor companies and protégés, including:

Mentor

  • Connection to local suppliers and contractors while building a qualified and diverse supply chain
  • Enhanced efficiency of procurement processes
  • Public recognition for commitment to support Louisiana small businesses and exemplifying good corporate citizenship and social responsibility

Protégé

  • Enhanced business acumen, performance capacity and competitiveness
  • Guidance to help avoid the pitfalls that deter business sustainability and growth
  • Access to the experience and expertise of seasoned mentor companies who have been successful at building sustainable and profitable business

Eligibility

Mentor

  • Mentor companies are typically established businesses that have reached a mature stage in the development of their business with national or international operations and are engaged in efforts to increase supplier diversity and inclusion with small and minority-owned businesses

Protégé

  • Must be a Louisiana-based company and not be an affiliate or related party of the mentor company
  • Business must be certified in the Small and Emerging Business Development Program and/or Hudson Initiative
  • Must remain in the program for the period of the developmental assistance as defined in the Mentor/Protégé agreement

Getting Started

Mentor

  • Mentor companies are selected by Louisiana Economic Development, with referrals from regional economic development partners, and other stakeholders

Protégé

Next Steps

  • SEBD and/or Hudson Initiative certified business submits application to become part of LED protégé pool
  • Mentor company will identify eligible protégé or select from LED protégé pool
  • Mentor company and protégé determine the technical and developmental assistance for the term of the agreement, as well as milestones
  • Mentor company and protégé enter into MOU which is provided by LED
  • All agreements must begin and end within a single fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
  • Mentor company provides technical and developmental assistance to protégé

FAQs

Q: How are mentor companies selected?
A: Mentor companies are selected by Louisiana Economic Development, with referrals from regional economic development partners, and other stakeholders.

Q: What is the duration of the program?
A: The Mentor Protégé agreement should be completed within six to 12 months. Agreements can be renewed up to two additional fiscal years.

Q: How do I know if I’ve been selected to be a protégé?
A: Mentor company is solely responsible for selecting protégé at their discretion. Mentor company and LED will notify successful protégé accordingly. 

Q: How long will my protégé application stay in the pool?
A: Applications remain in the pool from July 1st through June 30th. Protégé must submit new application starting July 1 of each year to remain in the protégé pool.

THE PROCESS

  • Protégé must apply for the Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program and/or Hudson Initiative at www.ledsmallbiz.com.
  • SEBD and/or Hudson Initiative certified business submits application to become part of LED protégé pool.
  • Mentor company is solely responsible for selecting protégé at their discretion. Mentor company and LED will notify successful protégé accordingly.
  • Application period is now open. Applications must be re-submitted July 1 of each year, to remain in the protégé pool.
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