What Is the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program?

Formal assistance with program rules

The SBA Mentor-Protégé Program supports approved developmental relationships between qualifying firms. Assistance and potential joint-venture benefits are governed by the program's requirements, not simply an agreement to collaborate.

Research before applying

1. 01Review current mentor and protégé eligibility.
2. 02Identify an actual proposed mentor and the assistance needed.
3. 03Develop a substantive developmental plan and appropriate agreement.
4. 04Use the current SBA application instructions.
5. 05Understand approval, reporting, and continuing responsibilities.

Not a matchmaking promise

The program is not simply a service that finds a large company for you. An informal adviser or commercial partnership is not automatically an SBA-approved mentor-protégé relationship.

Joint ventures need their own review

Mentor-protégé approval does not make every joint venture eligible for every procurement. Agreements, management, performance, registration, and program-specific conditions may apply.

Build the relationship around meaningful business development and capabilities, not only access to set-asides. Obtain qualified help for structure and compliance. Approval does not guarantee a contract or remove the need to meet a solicitation's requirements.