Small Business Owner Mentors for Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Development Program

MassHire Metro North Workforce Board is issuing a Request for Qualifications to establish a pool of pre-qualified small business owners to mentor youth participants in the New Business Entrepreneurship Skills Development training program. Mentors will conduct biweekly in-person or virtual meetings, support business plan development and classroom concepts, host a 4-hour to 5-day job shadowing experience, and submit biweekly progress updates. Selected mentors receive a stipend of $1,200 upon completion of required mentorship activities and deliverables. Applicants worldwide are eligible, though local business owners experienced in supporting low-income youth, English language learners, or individuals with learning disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF document via email or online by the priority deadline of December 18, 2026, at 5:00pm EST, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Submissions will be evaluated on a 75-point scale, including 35 points dedicated to relevant experience and track record.