EDCO Mentorship Program
The 2027 Mentorship Program application window will open September 15th!
Watch for updates coming soon! Read the Mentorship Program Expectations document for more details on the program, link below.
Every mentoring relationship is different and there is no single formula for success. The EDCO Mentorship Program aims to facilitate relationships between two people in economic development where an individual with experience, knowledge, and/or connections can pass along what they have learned to another individual. The mentor will share best practices and leadership, while the mentee receives support to enhance their personal and professional development.
The following expectations are provided to help guide the mentorship relationship:
Expectations of Mentees
- Value the mentors time, expertise and experience by committing to meet as planned, prepare an agenda in advance, coming prepared to the meeting with questions, topics for discussion and/or follow-up.
- Dedicate to the 12-month timeline of the EDCO Mentorship Program. Beginning with the kick-off meeting in January the program runs until December with expectations that the mentor and mentee meet on a monthly basis
- Decide upon the frequency, duration, and format of your meetings (e.g. online, in-person)
- Maintain strict confidentiality when it comes to anything your mentor shares with you
- Be open to new ideas and broaden your skill base
- Strive to develop a rapport with your mentor that gives you the confidence to initiate discussion on a variety of related topics and to seek clarity and suggestions from your mentor
- Share your goals for the mentoring relationship and develop a monthly discussion guideline with your mentor
- Complete an evaluation form to improve the EDCO Mentorship Program
- Complete a "give back" project that will benefit the EDCO community e.g. a blog post about your mentorship experience, a success story social post shared on your network, etc.
Expectations of Mentors
- Dedicate to the 12-month timeline of the EDCO Mentorship Program. Beginning with the kick-off meeting in January the program runs until December with expectations that the mentor and mentee meet on a monthly basis
- Decide upon the frequency, duration, and format of your meetings (e.g. online, in-person)
- Maintain strict confidentiality when it comes to anything your mentee shares with you
- Encourage your mentee to try new approaches and broaden their skill base
- Share resources and be open to introduce your mentee to your networks
- Listen openly and respectfully to topics your mentee brings up during conversation
- Assist your mentee to identify and clarify their goals for the mentoring relationship and develop a monthly discussion guideline with your mentee
- Complete an evaluation form to improve the EDCO Mentorship Program
- Share your positive experience with your networks
Please contact us if you have any questions about the Mentorship Program.
