The [facilitator] is warm, understanding, encouraging and skilled. The co-participants are smart and lively and fun. Although I am still convinced I have implemented about every option out there, the first session triggered surprising shifts in my mind and heart, making room for me to start moving in new directions. I am excited about what is going to come out of this process. -Skylark Desraeli, One Hill Productions, Kamloops BC
Table of Contents
- How do Peer Mentoring Groups work?
- What is the role of the mentee?
- What is the role of the facilitator?
- How do I become a mentee in a Peer Mentoring Group?
- How do I become a facilitator for a Peer Mentoring Group?
- Where will Peer Mentoring Groups be formed?
- The Facilitation Approach
- Peer Mentoring Group Potential Discussion Topics
Peer Mentoring Groups
This program provides women entrepreneurs the personal contact with others in the community who are facing the same challenges. Peer Mentoring Groups will be starting soon in communities across the province including Sidney, Oceanside, Port Alberni, North Okanagan, South Okanagan, Kelowna, Castlegar and Golden.
Limited spaces, apply online today!
How do Peer Mentoring Groups work?
A group of six to eight women will meet under the supervision of a facilitator, an experienced entrepreneur, who acts as a mentor for the group. The group will meet for six, two hour sessions to:
- discuss the challenges of transitioning to self-employment.
- learn from the experiences of others
- provide support to each other as they ride the emotional roller coaster, alternating between fear of the unknown and exhilaration about their new direction.
At the conclusion of the six Peer Mentoring Group sessions, there may be an option to continue if the mentees would like to do so.
The roles of both the facilitator and mentees are defined ahead of time, so that everyone knows what to expect and how their participation contributes to the success of the group. A code of conduct which addresses confidentiality is discussed, signed, and agreed to by the participants and the facilitator.
At each session, a different issue is addressed which has been pre-determined by the group. Common topics include:
- work/life balance
- mission and vision statements
- networking skills
- marketing
- cash flow projections
- sales
What is the role of the Mentee?
A Mentee is a entrepreneur who is in the first two years of operating a business. Mentees are expected to be committed to the Peer Mentoring Group. Mentees are expected to honour the code of conduct and maintain confidentiality.
Mentees must be open to sharing their experiences, challenges, issues, ideas and solutions with the other members of their group. They must also be open to change and to receiving both creative ideas and constructive feedback about their own business.
What is the role of the facilitator?
Volunteer facilitators are women who have knowledge and experience being self-employed. They receive facilitation training to ensure that the meetings are direct and constructive.
The group will decide the focus of each meeting, but the facilitator will ensure that the mentees work together—fostering a cohesive and comfortable group of women, who are there to listen, brainstorm, and provide moral support for each other.
How do I become a Mentee in a Peer Mentoring Group?
Women in the first three years of their business are invited to contact the Mentoring Program Coordinator at mentoring@womensenterprise.ca or fill out the Peer Mentoring Group Mentee application form.
All Peer Mentoring Group participants need to apply and are vetted through the Women’s Enterprise Centre Mentoring Program Coordinator BEFORE the groups meet. Once eligibility has been established, the community facilitator will be contacted.
Working together with the Mentees and the Mentoring Program Coordinator, the date, time, and location of the Peer Mentoring Groups will be established.
How do I become a facilitator for a Peer Mentoring Group?
If you’re a successful woman in business who would like to facilitate a local Peer Mentoring Group for women entrepreneurs in the first three years of their business, please contact the Mentoring Program Coordinator at Women mentoring@womensenterprise.ca, by phone at 1.800.653.7014 or fill out the Peer Mentoring Group mentor application form. You will be required to participate in facilitator training provided by Women’s Enterprise Centre, prior to starting a group of your own.
Where will Peer Mentoring Groups be formed?
Peer Mentoring Groups can be formed anywhere there is demand from Mentees and there is a Mentor to facilitate a group. If you are interested in facilitating a Peer Mentoring Group in your community, please register to be a mentor today. If you or someone in your community is in the first three years of business and would benefit from a group, apply online today and Women's Enterprise Centre will work with you to find a Mentor to facilitate the group.
