Mentoring FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions and our answers that mentors, founders and students ask about our mentoring programs and the EFN Network.   EFN has a network of over 500 mentors.

       1. When do mentoring programs occur?   

Typically during the school year but we have non-university programs that can occur anytime.  

       2. What is the duration of a mentoring assignment?

This varies by program, usually 1-2 months.  

       3. Approximately, how many hours should mentors plan for in an assignment?

Approximately one to two hours per week.  Most programs involve 4 to 8hours in total.

      4. What tools are used to facilitate team and mentor collaboration?

Email and Google Drive.

      5. How are mentors and teams expected to work together?

Mentors are expected to work together consistent with EFN’s Mentor Guidelines and teams with EFN’s Entrepreneurs/Mentee Guidelines

They use a variety of EFN tools and frameworks including our Venture Assessment Tool to help plan and execute their work together.

They establish mutual commitments for their work together.  A mentoring relationship is a formal commitment for both mentor and mentees.  We take this very seriously.   A brief, simple, informal written agreement (in an email or document) is recommended.

      6. How are mentors and team members matched?

Team members can view profiles of mentors on a Google Drive.  Email is used for matching.

     7. Are mentors compensated?

People accepted into EFN’s mentor network agree to volunteer to mentor entrepreneurs and students during a specific EFN program.

     8. Are mentors trained?

We train all new mentors.