How the Business Immigrant Mentorship Program Works

The Business Immigrant Mentorship Program works in the following way: 

A. Recruitment

• Mentors will be selected from clients and contacts of Enterprise Saint John, members of Saint John Board of Trade as well as from other partners of this project. Mentors will either be professionals and/or members of the local business community. This is in addition to general advertising, media coverage and this website, which will generate some applicants. We welcome retired or retiring professionals/business persons.
• Mentees will be referred by community partner organizations, such as the Saint John, the Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Center, Saint John Y Settlement Services, and Saint John College. This is in addition to general advertising, media coverage and this website, which will generate some applicants. Mentees should be investors or entrepreneurs operating or interested in operating a business in the Saint John area. 
• Application Process:
  • Online Mentee and Mentor application forms to be completed and submitted to the program coordinator
  • Contact program coordinator
    • Gather additional information and interview
  • Police Clearance Certificate

B. Selecting and Matching

• The program coordinator will assess the suitability of the mentor/mentee applicants, filtering out those who do not fit the criteria for the program.
• A database will be maintained of potential mentors / mentees.
• The program coordinator will formally match mentees with suitable mentors. 

C. Official Launch, Orientation and Training

• Matched mentors and mentees will attend an orientation meeting with the program coordinator. This will prepares them for their respective roles in the mentoring relationship. 
• They will be informed about the various training and networking opportunities that will be available to them in the months ahead.
• After the orientation sessions, mentors and mentees meet to negotiate the objectives of the mentoring relationship. They will confirm objectives and goals for the 6 month relationship.
• Mentors and mentees work together for a total of 24 hours over a period of six months. The program coordinator provides communication and relationship support as necessary.

D. Ongoing Maintenance and Support

• The program coordinator will maintain regular contact with the mentor and mentees.
• Mentors and mentees are advised to contact the program coordinator at any point during the relationship if they have any questions or concerns. 
   

E. Evaluation and Feedback

• At the conclusion of the relationship, both mentors and mentees provide evaluative feedback. 
• The coordinator collects feedback and addresses any concerns with the program, adapting any aspects that need improvement.

F. Recognition

• An event will be held at the end of the program to show appreciation and recognize the contributions of the mentors and the mentees and to celebrate the mentorship program.

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