GWBC® 2026-27 MENTOR PROTEGE PROGRAM APPLICATION

GWBC® 2026-27 Mentor Protégé Program Application

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
WBE Protégé Requirements:
- Must be GWBC certified.
- Must be in business for at least one (1) year.
- WBE companies must have a strong desire, willingness and time to learn from experienced WBEs or Corporate Mentors.
WBE or Corporate Mentor Requirements:
- WBE: At least 5 years in business, must be WBENC certified through GWBC for a minimum of one (1) year and have a physical operation in a GWBC Region. (GA, NC or SC)
- Corporation: Fortune 1000 companies who are GWBC or WBENC members in good standing and have a physical presence in a GWBC Region. (GA, NC or SC)
- WBEs & Corporations must have an initiative or strong desire to develop certified WBEs.
- Must designate a WBE or Corporate representative to actively mentor and commit time to the WBE in the program.
Selection Process

The Mentor-Protégé Committee will review all protégé and mentor applications submitted by January 23, 2026 and conduct assessment calls with each candidate to ascertain their commitment and ability to participate in the program. Final decisions will be made by February 27, 2026 and all candidates will be informed of their status and next steps. Once a protégé has been officially accepted into the program, a $200 program fee will assessed and collected in order to confirm their participation.

Mentors participation in the program is complimentary.

PLEASE NOTE: All program fees are non-refundable.

Mentor-Protégé Pairing Process

Each confirmed Mentor and Protégé will be carefully paired taking into consideration their industry affliation, geographic location, business size and other preferences.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026
Interviews: Week of January 26th and February 9th
Selection Announcement: Friday, February 27, 2026
Program Kickoff (Virtual): Friday, March 13, 2026

Quarterly Group Sessions: TBD
Name*

First NameLast Name
Company Name*
Title *
Email*
example@example.com
Company Address:*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
In which capacity would you like to participate in the 2026-2027 Mentor Protégé Program? Please select one of the below:*

MentorProtege
Company Demographics: WBE ONLY
Number of Years in Business:
Number of Employees:
Estimated Annual Revenue:
Number of Years as a Certified GWBC WBE:
Company Demographics: CORPORATE ONLY
Do you have a formal Supplier Diversity Program?
Number of years your Supplier Diversity program has been in place:
Do you or your designate have the time and passion to mentor a small woman-owned business in this 12-month program?
In which industry does your company operate?*
Please provide a brief description of your company.*

0/150
Have you participated in a mentorship program before?*

YesNo
If so, with whom and what was the impact/outcomes?

0/150
Protégés - Please check each of the boxes where your company hopes to receive guidance.

AccountingBusiness PlanningContract NegotiationsFinanceGovernment ContractingHR/BenefitsIT TechnologyLegalLoan ApplicationsManagement ConsultingMarketing/SalesProposal WritingStrategic PlanningLeadershipOther
List "other" here:
Mentors - Please check each of the boxes where your company can provide expertise.

AccountingBusiness PlanningContract NegotiationsFinanceGovernment ContractingHR/BenefitsIT TechnologyLegalLoan ApplicationsManagement ConsultingMarketing/SalesProposal WritingStrategic PlanningLeadershipOther
List "other" here:
What are two reasons that you feel your company would benefit from being included in the GWBC Mentorship program?*
What are 2-3 specific goals you want to achieve while in the program? *
Will your business/job have you traveling internationally during the 12-month program?*

YesNoNot sure
WBEs Only: Please include/attach a copy of your company’s capability statement.

Cancelof
Upload your headshot and company logo. (JPEG or PNG format only!) *

Cancelof
Are you able to commit 12 months to this one-on-one Mentor/Protégé relationship?*

YesNo
Attestation: I understand the terms and requirements of the Mentor Protégé Program The information provided is true and accurate to the best of my ability. If selected, I will enter into a 12-month tenure that will require personal time and resources to the success of this program and the objectives outlined.Please sign and date below to confirm acceptance:
Name*

First NameLast Name
Date*

MonthDayYear
Please note: A $200 application fee will be assessed only for those protégés chosen for the program.
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026 BY 5PM
Should be Empty:

GWBC® 2026-27 Mentor Protégé Program Application