Pillar Details
The Mentorship Program at Employ to Empower (ETE) is designed to empower entrepreneurs through personalized guidance, support, and resources tailored to their unique needs and goals. The program helps participants strengthen their skills, navigate challenges, achieve their business objectives, and build greater confidence in their abilities.
Through a flexible and adaptive approach to mentorship, ETE fosters professional and entrepreneurial growth while creating a collaborative learning environment that supports long-term success. Mentorship is guided by each participant’s individual goals, needs, and progress, while promoting accountability, inclusivity, mutual respect, and continuous learning.
1-on-1 Mentorship with a Mentor in Residence
This program pairs entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide tailored guidance on business development, goal-setting, pricing strategies, customer engagement, and long-term growth planning.
Program Overview:
- Duration: 6-7 months – to set goals while also building trust between mentee and mentor and work toward them together.
- Focus: goals are set at the start of the mentorship and the pace is what feels manageable and meaningful for each individual
- Location: Flexible meeting options include zoom or in-person at the ETE office.
- Access to booking a meeting with Community Integration Specialist – Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction at ETE office (*):
- Navigating income or disability assistance
- Exploring supports from the Ministry
- Connecting with community resources
- Upon Mentorship Completion: Business TouchPoint after completion with transition to Alumni Mentorship
(*) Based on eligibility and availability.
Am I Eligible?
1-on-1 mentorship is eligible for ETE entrepreneurs who have:
- (i) completed the BST Program and/or the SMARTStart and
- (ii) have already made their first sale.
Alumni Mentorship
ETE is pleased to offer our Mentorship graduates access to our Mentorship Alumni community. After completing the 6-7 Mentorship Program, mentees will have access to quarterly follow‑up conversations with an ETE Mentor in Residence. The sessions are a great resource for mentees to continue working on strategy, time management, customer relationships, feedback, or gently re-aligning their goals for the next quarter. The Mentor in Residence will move at the mentees pace and focus on what feels most relevant and helpful during that time.
Am I Eligible?
Available to entrepreneurs who completed the 6-7 month Mentorship program.
What Mentorship Is
- Providing guidance, insights, and support based on own experiences
- Support with goal setting and progress tracking
- Empowering you with tools, strategies, and knowledge to grow your business
- Offer constructive feedback and encouragement
What Mentorship Is Not
- Doing the work for the entrepreneur
- Making decisions on behalf of the entrepreneur
- Running or managing the business for the entrepreneur
- Making sales for the entrepreneur
- Providing unlimited of 24/7 support
- Guarantee Business Success
Act as a financial sponsor, investor, or fundraiser - Act as personal counselor or therapist
- Provide legal, financial, or medical advice
Frequently Asked Questions
If I’m an ETE entrepreneur and haven’t made a sale, can I apply to receive 1-on-1 mentorship?
No, one-on-one mentorship is only available for ETE entrepreneurs who have already made their first sale.
How long is the 1-on-1 mentorship?
The 1-on-1 mentorship typically spans for 6-7 months. At the end of the 6th month, you will meet with the Mentorship Lead for next steps.
Who are the Mentors in Residences?
Our Mentors in Residence are experienced entrepreneurs who bring practical knowledge, insights, and lived entrepreneurial experience to the mentorship journey. They provide constructive feedback, encouragement, and share information about relevant resources and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs build their skills, strengthen their business foundations, and work toward their individual goals.
Mentors support mentees in exploring challenges, developing problem-solving strategies, setting manageable goals, and tracking progress over time. They do not run the mentee’s business, make decisions, secure customers, or complete tasks on the entrepreneur’s behalf. Instead, they empower each mentee to build confidence, make independent decisions, and take ownership of their business growth.
What if I have other questions?
If you have any other questions related to mentorship, please contact the Mentorship Lead at anastasiia@employtoempower.com
Our Mentor in Residence Team
Alisa Stephenson
Alisa has over a decade of entrepreneurial experience spanning retail, e-commerce, and service-based industries. She brings a practical and thoughtful approach to mentorship, grounded in real world insight. Passionate about helping people discover their why, Alisa supports others in building intentional, purpose-driven businesses. As a Mentor in Residence, she offers curiosity, clarity, and supportive guidance to help entrepreneurs move forward with confidence.
Vea Coronado
Vea has over 12 years of experience in leading and consulting for non-profits and social enterprises. She launched Crown and Calling in 2019, as her work began to evolve from traditional business consulting towards one-on-one accompaniment and relational support for impact leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals. When she's not working, you'll find her reading at a cafe, watching local concerts, or sewing and making crafts at home.
Have Questions?
Contact us for answers or to sign up for our services! We're always available to provide you with support.
Contact Us