SBA All Small Mentor-Protege Program Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 06/21/2018. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

Following the success of its Mentor-Protege program for participants in the 8(a) Business Development Program, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) developed the All Small Mentor-Protege Program, which is meant to act as an umbrella program for small businesses generally. Under the program, prospective protege businesses can seek various forms of assistance with management, finances, contracting, business development, and other competencies.

The eligibility requirements include a Mentor-Protege Agreement which clearly defines the goal of the mentor-protege relationship, the plan for achieving it, metrics for success, and a timeline for the relationship.

Does this certification expire? The first term of a Mentor-Protege arrangement may last up to three years. After the end of that period, another period of three years may be entered into by extending the arrangement. It is possible for a protege to have two mentors simultaneously, but it may have no more than two mentors over the lifespan of the business. During the arrangement, businesses must make an annual report to the SBA.