Mentor-protégé programs offer numerous benefits to both mentors and protégés. These programs are designed to foster the development of small businesses by pairing them with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable resources. For protégés, the benefits include increased access to government contracting opportunities, enhanced business development, and improved technical and management skills. Mentors, on the other hand, gain the opportunity to contribute to the growth of small businesses, receive additional evaluation points during contract awards, and earn credit toward their subcontracting goals. Overall, these programs create a mutually beneficial relationship that promotes growth, innovation, and success in the business community.
The most common mentor protégé programs are the ones administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), however, there are several agencies that have them including:
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- S. Department of Transportation (US DOT)
- S. Department of Defense (DOD)
CIRAS has created a quick reference guide to the various programs; view it here.
For more information about Government Contracting, contact your CIRAS Government Contracting Specialist or complete our Request for Counseling form.