SCCF Mentors
The importance of mentorship in the ecosystem
Mentors are a critical aspect of any successful entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mentors support and guide entrepreneurs by sharing their experience, knowledge, network, and best practices. Stories of success and failure can be great sources of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Mentors have the ability to steer entrepreneurs towards success, to listen, challenge, and support the other throughout the process, to provide ‘realistic optimism’ for the mentee when it comes to addressing the mentee’s challenges, and to reveal blind spots the entrepreneur may have about their idea or business
It can truly be a life-changing relationship and one that can mean the difference between the success of a business and its failure!
The word “mentor” is a verb, but it is also a noun. It is a reciprocal title that is given by the mentee. Once a relationship of trust and mutual respect has developed, you truly become a mentor when someone refers to you as, “My mentor” - a truly powerful gift!
Become a mentor
Mentors with SCCF interact with entrepreneurs and our greater ecosystem in many different ways: one-on-one mentorship with members of our Startup Shenandoah Valley Accelerator and Business Bootcamp programs, workshop leaders, panelists for special events or at our annual Entrepreneurship Summit, or as subject matter experts.
The SCCF is looking for mentors from all backgrounds, with varying experiences and perspectives. If you are interested in providing a Shenandoah Valley entrepreneur with your mentorship, please contact SCCF below.
Hear from some of our mentors
Becky Stickley
Becky has served as a one-to-one mentor for S2V Accelerator participants, helping them through the coaching phase of the program to overcome their business hurdles and provide insight and guidance on their next steps.
"Mentorship creates a space for an entrepreneur to feel seen right where they are while also experiencing what is possible with someone who can help them create their own version of success. As an entrepreneur, having a mentor as a part of your support scaffolding is invaluable."
Visit Becky's website to learn more & get support
Ron Perry
Ron has served as a mentor during our founders' roundtable sessions for the Capacitor Incubator and S2V Accelerator participants, offering his insight and background in entrepreneurship and research and development of technology, as well as his interests in engineering, media production, robotics, education, and telecommunications.
"Having been fortunate to work with many great mentors, I feel it’s important to not only pass on what I’ve learned but also build on all those experiences while learning with other entrepreneurs and strengthening the regional community and connections."
Visit Ron's website to learn more