The Mentor-Protégé Program is a nationally recognized small business development program that has been operating continuously since 1995. The program was developed to overcome barriers small businesses face when trying to do business with government agencies.

The three-year program pairs each protégé firm with two mentors who work with the small business to develop a strategic plan specific to the needs of the small business and overcome obstacles the firm is facing. The Port facilitates monthly team meetings and provides a wide array of free technical assistance during the firms’ participation in the program.

Typical Services Provided:

• Bookkeeping
• Marketing
• Estimating
• Proposal Writing
• Bonding Assistance
• Software
• Project Management
• Human Resources
• Safety

To join the program, businesses must be: 

• Must be COBID certified
• Must be in continuous operations for at least 3 years
• Must be current on all taxes
• Must be current on all licenses (if applicable)
• Must not be ineligible or debarred from public works by BOLI
• Must not be under litigation
• Must be willing to attend one class a month and one Mentoring meeting a month

Applications for the 20-23 cohort are no longer being accepted.  

All applicants will be reviewed for eligibility and may be subject to a minimum of two interviews and a financial review prior to admission into the program.

Mentor-Protégé Directory of graduated firms