Mentorship for Rural Entrepreneurs
Experienced business people volunteering their time to guide entrepreneurs — a complete journey from selection to graduation, in 7 steps.
The Mentoring Process — 7 Steps
From recruitment to graduation, every mentorship follows the same supported path.
- 1
Call & selection
Invitation, application and interview; field verification where needed.
Tool: Application form & checklist
- 2
Agreement & commitment
Agreeing the term and conditions; an unpaid, voluntary commitment.
Tool: Mentor agreement
- 3
Orientation & training
A mandatory one-day training introducing the role and ground rules.
Tool: Orientation guide
- 4
Matching
Pairing by skills and needs, refined with human judgment.
Tool: Business compass
- 5
Active mentoring
Regular monthly sessions through the start, growth and completion stages.
Tool: Session log & WhatsApp
- 6
Monitoring & support
Reviews at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, with extra support where needed.
Tool: Business health scorecard
- 7
Evaluation & graduation
Verifying the criteria are met; recognition and a certificate.
Tool: Graduation checklist
The 3 Stages of an Active Mentorship
1
Beginning
Introductions, building trust and setting mutual expectations.
2
Implementation
Regular sessions, goal-setting and working toward progress — the heart of the relationship.
3
Completion
Reviewing achievements, planning ahead and a respectful close or renewal.
The Mentor's Role
A mentor is a guide — making decisions for the mentee is not their job.
- ✓Shares their own practical experience and knowledge
- ✓Listens attentively and asks the right questions so the mentee thinks for themselves
- ✓Opens doors to relevant contacts and opportunities (networking)
- ✓Keeps the mentee accountable — helping track goals and verify progress
- ✓Raises problems early and keeps the lab facilitator informed
Ground Rules
- Confidentiality
- A mentee's information is never shared without consent.
- Voluntary
- Entirely voluntary for both sides.
- Mentee-driven
- The mentee sets the agenda; the mentor gives direction.
- Respect & impartiality
- Unbiased treatment, as equals.
- No conflicts of interest
- No financial transactions in either direction.
- Professional boundaries
- A relationship bounded by the agreed time and scope.
We Are Looking for You as a Mentor
Because Max Foundation values your—
- Experience
- At least 5 years of business or relevant professional experience.
- Age
- At least 35 years old.
- Time & commitment
- 4–6 hours a month, across the full cycle (usually 12 months).
- Attitude
- Patience, empathy and an appetite for teaching.
- Inclusive outlook
- Advising women and men entrepreneurs with equal seriousness.
- Volunteering
- Willing to give time and knowledge without compensation.
A Mentor's Responsibilities
What every mentor does regularly during active mentoring:
- •Attends the mandatory orientation and training
- •Runs regular sessions (at least monthly) on the agreed schedule
- •Files a short session log after every session
- •Keeps the lab facilitator informed of progress and challenges
- •Raises problems promptly when they appear
- •Gives timely notice if unable to continue
Interested in becoming a mentor?
If you meet the criteria above, apply through the mentor registration form.